In memoriam: Emilio Cárdenas
Global Insight remembers a vital voice for human rights and the rule of law
Former IBA President Emilio Cárdenas, a highly esteemed Argentinian lawyer, professor and international diplomat, passed away on 12 March.
An IBA member since 1981, he held the IBA presidency from 2003–2004 as well as numerous other positions within the Association, including Councillor Emeritus of the Legal Practice Division; Honorary Life Member of Council and Association; Co-Chair of the IBA’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and Co-Chair of the Task Force on International Terrorism – the latter in the aftermath of 9/11.
He served as Ambassador to the United Nations for Argentina and Ambassador to Dominica and Guyana from 1992–1996 and held the presidency of the UN Security Council in January 1995. In his legal practice he operated successfully in areas as diverse as oil and gas and banking law. He also presided over several professional and business associations.
In a joint statement, current IBA President Jaime Carey and Executive Director Mark Ellis said: ‘Emilio was deeply committed to social and judicial issues and worked tirelessly to create a better world. He touched the lives of many with his calm demeanour, sharp intellect and unwavering enthusiasm.’
In his many activities, the excellence and devotion with which he pursued each and every endeavour left a mark on all who had the privilege of meeting him
Ignacio Randle
Former IBA Legal Practice Division Council Member
Other IBA colleagues shared their memories with Global Insight. Richard Goldstone is Honorary President of the IBAHRI and was its Co-Chair between 2007–2009. He remembers Emilio, then holding a position as Co-Chair, as a welcoming figure: ‘I recall, with great appreciation, the warmth with which Emilio, as the other Co-Chair, welcomed me to join him in leading the IBAHRI. It was my pleasure to work with him for the following two years. Emilio will be missed by his family, colleagues and friends.’
Emilio was a key figure in the Argentinian legal community. Roberto Durrieu of Estudio Durrieu in Buenos Aires is an officer on the IBA Rule of Law Forum. He reflects on an impressive and valued colleague, mentor and friend. ‘Emilio had innate leadership and people skills. He was just as able to speak with a President of the US as with a worker who had suffered serious violation of civil rights,’ he says. ‘This allowed him to help the UN to negotiate the release of people kidnapped by the Iranian regime, and on the other hand, to support and help an unknown lawyer like me to get involved as an IBA officer, 20 years ago.’ He captured Emilio’s mastery of public speaking: ‘His speeches captivated the audience. I will never forget his energy during the Opening Ceremony of the IBA Annual Conference in Buenos Aires in 2008: he invited 30 Horse Guard regiments to play a short concert and this and his speech brought the international audience together. He was one of my silent mentors and also my friend and neighbour. The last time I saw him, God gave me the opportunity to tell him, personally, how important his counsel and support was for me.’
Ignacio Randle, former IBA Legal Practice Division Council Member, is another such colleague and friend, and shares a great experience made possible by Emilio. ‘As Argentine Ambassador Representative to the United Nations and member of the UN Security Council, Emilio generously invited me to join him at his desk in a UN General Assembly meeting, a dream of a lifetime,’ he says. ‘During his long and successful service at the IBA, he excelled when supporting human rights causes, while being available to mentor young lawyers with his distinctive savvy. Meetings with him at IBA leadership retreats around the world were unique learning opportunities.’
Ignacio continues: ‘In his many activities, the excellence and devotion with which he pursued each and every endeavour left a mark on all who had the privilege of meeting him. May he rest in peace, with the satisfaction of many jobs well done.’
Read the full message from IBA President Jaime Carey and Executive Director Mark Ellis here.