Mozambican lawyer Elvino Dias was honored this Friday (July 18) with the Nelson Mandela Prize 2025, awarded by the Portuguese association ProPública – Direito e Cidadania, in recognition of his tireless work in favor of justice, freedom and human rights in Mozambique.
The award ceremony took place in Maputo, in a private session organized by the Mozambican Bar Association (OAM), and included a message from the president of ProPública, Agostinho Pereira de Miranda, who highlighted Elvino Dias' courage, independence, and integrity, stating that "his voice has fallen silent, but his example will continue to inspire lawyers in Mozambique and throughout the world.".
Known as the "people's lawyer," Elvino Dias was widely recognized for his dedication to social causes, especially in defense of the most disadvantaged. At the time of his death, on October 18, 2024, he was serving as legal advisor to politician Venâncio Mondlane.
Order now and enjoy the best of Quinta NICY!
Last duck stock at Quinta NICY!
ProPública justified awarding the prize by stating that Elvino “lost his life fighting for the public good, justice and freedom” and highlighted the values that marked his career: “the value of truth, the value of law and the value of justice”.
This posthumous recognition coincides with Nelson Mandela International Day and reinforces the importance of the unwavering defense of human rights, even in adverse contexts, such as the one in which Elvino practiced his profession.
