Adila Hassim: Young lawyer who opened trial against Israel at world court

One of her distinguishing features is her intense involvement in complex cases related to access to healthcare, economic equality, and state accountability

Muslim Network TV editorial team

In the hallowed halls of the International Court of Justice in The Hague on Thursday, Adila Hassim resolutely opened the hearing on behalf of South Africa, demonstrating her legal prowess.

With two decades of legal experience in South Africa, she has become a formidable force in the field of jurisprudence, advocating for constitutional rights and social justice reforms in her country.

Armed with an impressive array of qualifications, including a BA, LLB, LLM, and JSD, Hassim joined the legal profession in Johannesburg in 2003.

It did not take long for her to build a formidable reputation, taking on a wide range of civil and human rights cases.

She quickly became a prominent voice in South African legal circles.

One of her distinguishing features is her intense involvement in complex cases relating to access to healthcare, economic equality, and state accountability.

Those who know her say that her legal expertise has been instrumental in delivering justice in cases that have had a profound impact on South Africa.

In 2010, Adila Hassim co-founded Section 27, a non-profit legal center that advocates for access to health services and basic education.

As head of the legal department, she leads a team of lawyers who challenge unconstitutional restrictions affecting marginalized communities. Section 27’s strategic legal campaigns under Hassim’s leadership aim to achieve a more equitable quality of life for all South African citizens.

She was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to legally represent South Africa in a case against Israel and to highlight apartheid crimes that violate the human rights of Palestinians.

Her involvement in this high-profile case has the potential to make legal history.