Francis Boyle: A Tribute

Chandra Muzaffar

Chandra Muzaffar

The late Professor Francis Boyle, the outstanding International Law expert, was a member of JUST’s International Advisory Panel (IAP). His death on 30 January 2025 at the age of 74 came as a shock to many of us.

Boyle, a professor of International Law at the University of Illinois in the US, was a steadfast champion of the oppressed and marginalised. He spoke up consistently for the victims of genocide, wherever they were. He is remembered for his unflinching support for the Palestinians. In fact, way back in 2009 he was already describing them as “victims of genocide” given their mass expulsion from their homes and villages in 1948. This concern of his was an integral part of his larger commitment to the struggle of indigenous people for independence and sovereignty.

He took up cases on behalf of indigenous peoples resisting the atrocities and injustices committed by the powerful and the wealthy.

Because of Boyle’s pursuit of justice, US foreign policy as it impacted upon various nations was invariably a target of his criticisms. This is why the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and how they undermined international law became the focus of much of his work in that part of the world.

This, and other aspects of his mission for truth and justice earned him a well-deserved reputation as an honest advocate of peace and freedom.

Boyle leaves behind a huge trove of books and articles. Among his notable publications are The Crime of Genocide; World out of Balance : International Law and the United States War on Terror; and International Law and the United States.

Boyle had spoken at conferences in Malaysia on several occasions. Over the years JUST had published at least 40 of his articles.

It is our hope that his illustrious contributions, both as a scholar and an activist, will continue to inspire future generations of students and activists everywhere.

Chandra Muzaffar

4 March 2025.

Kuala Lumpur.