Long-time human rights activist, lawyer, judge and author, Justice Albie Sachs has committed his career to the values of justice, inclusion and peace. A freedom fighter for Black South Africans, and key architect of South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution, Justice Sachs survived an assassination attempt that caused him to lose an arm and his vision in one eye. After recovering, Sachs returned to help Nelson Mandela transition South Africa from apartheid to democracy, by helping draft a constitution with minority rights built in.

Delivering a speech entitled, “The Battle for the South African Constitution: Protecting Minorities Through Power-Sharing or a Bill of Rights?” Justice Sachs, who was at the heart of the process, explained how the conflict was resolved and South Africa ended up having one of the most admired constitutions in the world. A dialogue followed the lecture, moderated by Doug Saunders, International Affairs Columnist with the Globe and Mail.

• Read His Highness the Aga Khan’s opening remarks.
• Read the full text of Justice Sachs’ lecture