JAMESTOWN – The Robert H. Jackson Center will open the 13th annual International Humanitarian Law Roundtable (IHLR) with a two-part program at the Robert H. Jackson Center’s Cappa Theatre on Aug. 25. The program begins at 7 p.m. when Irwin Cotler receives the Joshua Heintz Award for Humanitarian Achievement, which has been described by the EU Reporter as “one of the world’s most prestigious individual achievement prizes.” Cotler serves as the Chair of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights. He previously served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and as a member of Canada’s Parliament.

Cotler has been a long-time champion of human rights and supporter of modern international criminal law. As Minister of Justice for Canada, he made the pursuit of international justice a government priority. As an international human rights lawyer, he served as counsel to numerous prisoners of conscience, including Nelson Mandela. His continued work in founding the Raoul Wallenberg Centre places him at the center of human rights advocacy.

Immediately following the award presentation is a public interview and performance from “Samite: A Journey of Resilience.” Samite is an internationally acclaimed musician who has performed solo, with Paul Simon, and with other artists around the world. In 2002, he founded Musicians for World Harmony, an organization dedicated to enabling musicians throughout the world to share their music and promote peace, understanding, and harmony among people. Samite recently collaborated with filmmakers to create “Alive Inside,” an award-winning documentary on the power of music to awaken the memories locked away in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. He released his 11th album “Resilience” last fall. Seating is limited, but tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased online at roberthjackson.org or by calling 483-6646. This program is possible through the generosity of our donors, LaBella Associates, Blackstone-Ney Ultrasonics and the Whitney R. Harris Lectureship Endowment Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

The public is also encouraged to attend the IHLR seminars held on the grounds of The Chautauqua Institution on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 26-27. The theme this year is “The Third Wave…Adapting ICL to 21st Century Realities.” Attendance is free of charge. This is the first year the program is in a roundtable format, as it was previously styled as the International Humanitarian Law Dialogues. Visit Case Western University’s website to learn more about the Roundtable topics.

The Robert H. Jackson Center is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that envisions a global society where the universal principles of equality, fairness and justice prevail. The Center invites and engages students of all ages, scholars, educators, national officials and international dignitaries to analyze contemporary issues of peace and justice through the lens of Justice Jackson’s body of work.