Antonio Augusto Cancado Trindade

In this post, the author analyzes three individual opinions of judge Cançado Trindade as a judge of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to assess the impact of his legal thought on the fight against impunity, the rights of Indigenous Peoples and social justice.

In this post, the author reflects on judge Cançado Trindade’s last separate opinion to an Order concerning the Armed Activities on the Territory of the Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo v. Uganda), of September 2020. This opinion provides an example of his views on the role of International Law and his believe that jus gentium must be at the service of the people. As a former judicial fellow of the International Court of Justice, the author presents a personal and powerful testimony of judge Cançado Trindade.

Judge Antônio Augusto Cançado Trindade was a towering figure of contemporary international and public law. An internationally renowned jurist, he was judge of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights between 1995 and 2008 and its President between 1999 and 2004. In February 2009, he was elected as judge of the International Court of Justice, a position he held until his passing in May 2022. This symposium has been organized to honour the memory of Judge Trindade by engaging with his legacy and ideas.