Dominic F. Dixon, executive director of the United Nations Association for Development and Peace (UNADAP), has received the International Human Rights Award at the International Convention for Human Rights 2026 in New Delhi.
The World Human Rights Research Council presented the award on 25 October at the NDMC Convention Centre on Sansad Marg.
Accepting the honour, Dixon dedicated it to the memory of Father Stan Swamy, the Jesuit priest and human rights defender who spent much of his life supporting Adivasi communities and other marginalised people in India.
Father Swamy was arrested by India’s National Investigation Agency in October 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case. He was 83 at the time of his arrest and suffered from advanced Parkinson’s disease and other serious health problems while being held at Taloja Central Jail.
His struggle to obtain a drinking straw and a sipper cup, which he needed because his condition made it difficult to hold a glass, drew widespread public attention. The request was initially rejected by the court, prompting concern among supporters over his treatment in custody.
After months in detention, his health deteriorated further, and he contracted COVID-19. Father Swamy died on 5 July 2021 while his bail application was still pending.
Reflecting on the award, Dixon said he regarded it as more than a personal honour, describing it as a reminder of the courage needed to speak up for vulnerable people whose voices often go unheard.
UNADAP is an autonomous multilateral foreign policy advisory and humanitarian organisation comprising former diplomats, international civil servants, political ministers and specialists. It focuses on global policy, human rights advocacy and sustainable development.
Based on reporting by Matters India.
