Recognition for renowned human-rights lawyer

Melbourne Law School Dean Michelle Foster said Mr Colmenares exemplified core values consistent with Melbourne Law School.

“Mr Colmenares is an outstanding representative of our Law School, whose technical skills as a lawyer and legal thinker are matched by extraordinary resilience and commitment to human rights,” Dean Foster said.

“Fearless as a lawyer and policymaker speaking truth to power, he did not let persecution, abuse and jail block his path to a reforming role in Philippine Congress. Mr Colmenares has a deep connection with Melbourne Law School, through his work with our researchers and students, especially through the Asian Law Centre,” she said.

Mr Colmenares is a long-standing associate of the Melbourne Law School’s Asian Law Centre (ALC), which he first joined as a research assistant in 2002 while working on a PhD on international criminal law.

Former director of the Asian Law Centre, Professor Tim Lindsey of Melbourne Law School, added:

"Neri is one of the Philippines’ most distinguished human rights lawyers and law reformers, a lifelong advocate for justice, democracy, and the rule of law. A survivor of imprisonment and torture under the Marcos dictatorship, he transformed personal adversity into a career of extraordinary public service and legal innovation."

"His pioneering work has shaped landmark reforms and jurisprudence, including the abolition of the death penalty, and the protection of freedom of assembly and democratic participation, and pioneering anti-corruption reforms.”

Mr Colmenares was also instrumental in advancing the Philippines’ engagement with the International Criminal Court (ICC). A recipient of the University’s first Human Rights Scholarship in 2001, he conducted research at Melbourne Law School on implementing the Rome Statute, later helping to enact legislation adopting the ICC into Philippine law.

Professor Lindsey said “More recently, Neri led the complaint before the ICC that resulted in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte over extrajudicial killings, demonstrating his enduring commitment to justice through international law. He will continue to represent the families of victims during Duterte’s forthcoming trial in The Hague."

A three-term legislator and Senior Deputy Minority Leader in the Philippine Congress (2007–2016), Mr Colmenares also authored transformative human rights laws, including the Anti-Torture Act, the Anti-Enforced Disappearance Law, and the Reparation Act for Martial Law victims.

The 2020 International Bar Association Human Rights Award recognised Mr Colmenares as a fearless advocate for accountability, fighting corruption, human rights abuses, and impunity.

His courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the poor and marginalised have profoundly advanced human rights, good governance, and legal accountability in the Philippines and beyond.