Nkongho Felix Agbor Receives ABA Award, Pays Tribute to Human Rights Defenders

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – Nkongho Felix Agbor, a renowned human rights lawyer and advocate, has been honoured with the prestigious American Bar Association (ABA) Award for his outstanding contributions to human rights and the rule of law. Abor Balla as he is popularly called, a distinguished figure in the fight for justice and equality in Cameroon, dedicated his award to human rights defenders around the world, emphasizing their unwavering courage and commitment in the face of adversity.

The award was presented to Nkongho Felix Agbor during the Annual Meeting of the American Bar Association in Chicago on August 1. The ABA International Human Rights Award is bestowed upon individuals or organizations who have made exceptional contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights on an international scale.

Barrister Nkongho, also known as "Balla," has been at the forefront of advocating for civil liberties, justice, and democracy, often at great personal risk.

"This is a big honour for me, I mean, having this award from the prestigious American Bar Association. It also shows that hard work, resilience, and being focused and doing what you believe in, someday you would have recognition," Nkongho Felix, Founder of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, CHRDA said.

"I dedicate this award to my family because they have been with me throughout my trying period. And also, to the entire staff of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, CHRDA, for the support, for the enormous work that they've been doing, to all civil society leaders who we've worked together, who are fighting for the protection and the promotion of human rights, and equally to all victims of gross human rights violations. This award is a call to service, and I will do just that."

Felix Nkongho's journey as a human rights defender has been marked by courage and resilience. He is the founder and president of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA). This organization has played a pivotal role in highlighting human rights abuses and providing legal assistance to victims. His work has brought international attention to the ongoing crisis in Cameroon's Anglophone regions, where conflict and human rights violations have led to widespread suffering.

Nkongho’s advocacy has not been without peril. In January 2017, he was arrested and detained for several months on charges related to his activism. Despite the personal risks, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to justice and the protection of human rights.

“After pressure from the international community, on August 31, 2017, myself and some other leaders were released while a good number are still detained under deplorable conditions. From that point till date, Myself, my organization and partners, have to advocate solutions to the Anglophone problem in Cameroon, and to draw attention to the growing humanitarian crisis that has resulted since it escalated in 2016,” Nkongho Felix Agbor said.

“As I speak, the Human Rights Violations and Abuse cases in Cameroon are on the rise by day and changing in form by night. However, we are determined to do all we can to reduce the rate to the barest minimum while calling on the international community to put an eye on us as we try to wrestle with power and undemocratic leadership. As human rights defenders, we have been working tirelessly, advocating for human rights and the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

ABA's decision to honour Nkongho with the International Human Rights Award is a testament to his unwavering dedication and the significant impact of his work. It underscores the importance of standing up for justice, even in the face of adversity, and the power of international support in amplifying the voices of those who fight for human rights.

ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.