Testimonials
on Martine Anstett
The death of Martine Anstett has generated strong emotion and numerous testimonies. Here are some of them. Most come from her private correspondence with Frantz, her companion, who is now President of the Association for Martine Anstett Prize:
Michaëlle Jean, Secretary General of the International Organization of Francophonie (IOF), former Governor General of Canada
"I believe in developing the ideas and values that Martine has defended with courage and dedication. Therefore, I have decided that the French Fund of Initiatives for Democracy, Human Rights and Peace (FFIDDHOP) would be called after her name."
Bacre Waly Ndiaye, a lawyer, former Director of UN High Commissioner Office for Human Rights in New York
"Having at heart the rights of all, she defended them on all fronts, especially at Palais Wilson in Geneva, at Quai d'Orsay and the Francophonie.
She was alert, committed, tenacious and effective. At all times, she knew how to remain faithful to her principles, as well as humane and smart in her actions.
In losing her, we have lost a faithful friend and a true activist for the cause of women, and beyond the human cause."
Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC)
"I wanted you to know how important a partner Martine was for my Office and how much we shall miss her and also the cause for which we stand together in the fight against impunity. We shall suffer from her absence in this fight, but we will continue the struggle without flinching. The memory of her commitment and determination will help us face the challenges on our path."
Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
"Many of my colleagues here at High Commissioner Office, have greatly appreciated her commitment to the cause of human rights, as well as her unfailing joy and hard work. We have had the privilege of counting Martine on our staff."
Karim Lahidji, President of the International Federation for Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), Souhayr Belhassen, President of Honor and Antoine Bernard, Executive Director
"At FIDH, many among us have worked together by her side for the advancement of the human rights agenda. With her simplicity and humility that were dear to her, her conviction and determination in action, she was part of us, a human rights defender. Our family is grieving."
Christophe Guilhou, Director of Peace, Democracy and Human Rights to IOF
"Injustice was strongly unbearable to her; she would have moved mountains to fight injustice or even shoved the highest officials."
Geneviève Garrigos, President of Amnesty International and Stephan Oberreit, Director General of Amnesty International
"Martine belonged to our great family. She helped to make visible our fight for the defense of human rights..."
Abdou Diouf, former President of the Republic of Senegal and former Secretary General of Francophonie
"I keep in mind her great professionalism and extraordinary dedication to the Organization and Directorate of Human Rights. Martine was a great warmhearted woman with a high sense of justice and rare humanism."