The laureates

Gemma JONES NDJOLI, born in Madrid and originally from Equatorial Guinea, is a lawyer recognized for her commitment to human rights. Despite being arbitrarily barred from practicing law by the Bar Association of Equatorial Guinea in December 2023—a sanction linked to her activism and criticism of the judicial system—she continues her fight to promote fundamental freedoms.

A member of the Madrid Bar Association, she has made significant contributions to advancing the rights of the most vulnerable groups, both in Equatorial Guinea and abroad. Her work focuses on combating corruption, human rights violations, and the lack of transparency in public institutions. She also provides support to victims of abuse, harassment, and repression perpetrated by both public and private actors.

Since 2020, she has headed the law firm Jones and Sacristán, based in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Gemma has also collaborated on the preparation of international reports on the human rights situation in Equatorial Guinea, presenting emblematic cases before bodies such as the United Nations, notably by participating in the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council.

She is also a member of the World Liberty Congress, an international nonprofit organization that brings together prominent pro-democracy leaders from more than 60 countries who are committed to opposing autocratic regimes