On December 5, 2024, at the Institut français de civilisation musulmane, a tribute ceremony was held for the late Maître Gilles Devers, in accordance with his wishes.
The ceremony was attended by his family, including his two sons, his daughter and his sister, as well as numerous personalities. Among them were the ambassador of the Palestinian Authority, the representative of the Polisario Front in Geneva, the representative of the Kanak people's movement, the representative of the Algerian embassy, as well as religious figures such as the president of the institute and the rector of the Grande Mosquée de Paris.
Also present were legal professionals, such as the representative of Algerian lawyers and magistrates, a representative of the Istanbul Bar Association, and several of Maître Devers' colleagues. Health professionals, including nurses and doctors, as well as representatives of associations and many other people who knew or collaborated with him, paid tribute to this exceptional personality.
A remarkable career
Born in Lyon on September 4, 1956, Gilles Devers first worked as a hospital psychiatric nurse before completing his law studies. He went on to teach medical law at Lyon III University, a specialty in which he has published hundreds of articles and several books.
In 1983, he established himself in Lyon as one of the leading specialists in medical law, while becoming an ardent defender of human rights. Maître Devers has fought numerous battles to defend oppressed peoples seeking their right to self-determination, as well as minorities in France and abroad. In particular, he has been involved with the Kanak people's movement and the Polisario Front, representing the Saharan people. In 2024, he obtained the cancellation of trade agreements between the European Union and Morocco, a major victory for the Polisario Front.
A tireless defender of the Palestinian cause
Maître Devers is best known for his commitment to the rights of the Palestinian people. In 2009, together with forty lawyers and a collective of 350 NGOs, he filed a communication with the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning the serious crimes committed by the Israeli army during the aggression against Gaza in 2008-2009. The Palestinian Authority has asked him to file a new communication on its behalf.
In July 2014, after a new Israeli aggression against Gaza, Maître Devers filed a communication under Article 15 of the Rome Statute. This initiative contributed to Palestine's decision to ratify the Rome Statute, enabling the ICC to open a preliminary investigation into alleged crimes committed in Gaza in June 2014.
On February 5, 2021, the ICC issued a landmark decision, confirming its jurisdiction over the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.
On November 9, 2023, Maître Devers coordinated a group of over 300 lawyers of different nationalities, representing 200 associations, including the CRLDHT. Together, they submitted a communication to the ICC Prosecutor's Office requesting the opening of an investigation into the crimes against humanity and genocide committed since October 7, 2023, particularly in Gaza. On this occasion, Maître Devers declared: "Gaza has no army, but we will be the army of lawyers who defend it."
On November 21, 2024, after its preliminary investigation, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Benyamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, and Yoav Gallant, former Minister of Defense.
A lasting legacy
However, Maître Gilles Devers, weakened by illness, passed away on November 26, 2024, at the age of 68. His death leaves a deep imprint of dedication and struggle for just causes. His fellow members of the Lawyers for Palestine group have affirmed their determination to continue his work before the ICC and any other body capable of dispensing justice.
Maître Gilles Devers remains an emblematic figure of lawyers' devotion to human and just causes. This was his moral testament: to work tirelessly for justice and peace for all oppressed peoples.
