Louise Arbour was born on October 2, 1947 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada to Bernard Arbour and Rose Ravary. From a young age, she showed a strong sense of justice and empathy for others, qualities that would shape her future career in law and human rights advocacy.
Arbour's education took her to Collège Regina Assumpta, the Université de Montréal, and the University of Ottawa, where she studied law. After completing her education, she began her career as a lawyer, quickly establishing herself as a talented and dedicated legal professional.
Her work in the legal field led her to positions of increasing responsibility and influence. She served as a justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and the Court of Appeal for Ontario, where she made significant contributions to the development of Canadian law.
In 2004, Arbour was appointed as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, a role in which she demonstrated her unwavering commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals around the world. During her tenure, she worked tirelessly to bring attention to human rights abuses and injustices, advocating for meaningful change and accountability.
Arbour's dedication to human rights extended beyond her work at the United Nations. She also served as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, where she played a key role in seeking justice for victims of genocide and war crimes.
In addition to her work at the United Nations and the International Criminal Tribunals, Arbour served as the President and CEO of the International Crisis Group from 2009 to 2014. During her time at the organization, she continued to be a leading voice in the fight for peace and justice around the world.
Throughout her career, Arbour has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of human rights. She has received numerous awards and honors, including a United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights. In 2007, she was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada, in recognition of her exceptional service to her country and the world.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Arbour is a devoted mother to her three children, Emilie, Patrick, and Catherine Taman. Despite the demands of her career, she has always made time for her family, instilling in them the same values of compassion and justice that have guided her own life.
As a prominent figure in the world of human rights advocacy, Louise Arbour continues to inspire others with her unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for those who are most vulnerable and marginalized in society, and her work has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals around the world.