- |
- Blog
- |
- In memory of Jonathan Eoloff
In memory of Jonathan Eoloff
Written by Jonathan’s family.
On this day, we remember our dear friend Jonathan Eoloff on what would have been his 56th birthday. Jonathan was a loving father and husband, as well as an exceptional friend one could count on in good times, inspiring nonstop laughs, and in bad times, always ready to lend a hand or a shoulder to cry on when it was most needed. Jonathan was an amazing human being guided by generosity and a sense of justice.
Throughout his life, Jonathan championed – and exemplified – the principles that all human beings enjoy fundamental rights, full dignity, and true peace. Jonathan dedicated his life to these ideals, a commitment we honor today in his memory. Spending time with Jonathan entailed, among so many other joyous moments, understanding and embracing the concept of an international legal framework that upholds long-held human rights protections as essential to the well-being of individuals as well as to the harmonious functioning of a global community.
Jonathan often reflected that his time at CEJIl as a legal intern in Costa Rica during the summer of 2004 played an instrumental role in shaping him as a lawyer and human rights advocate. Jonathan’s work during his internship included compiling legal research and other support to human rights-based challenges to the use of the death penalty, extrajudicial killings, and the denial of political participation to indigenous communities. Jonathan’s dedication and diligence in carrying out his legal internship were borne of his genuine commitment to the importance of safeguarding international human rights norms. He later went on to work in the US, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and El Salvador, always motivated and driven to make a positive change.
As a community of colleagues and friends who loved Jonathan and were impacted by his example, we want to celebrate the date of his birth by acknowledging the crucial need to keep these principles in mind and ensure that they are respected. We can think of no better way to honor Jonathan than to call on each one of us to honor these ideals. Let us hold them to heart in these challenging times, and always. Please consider making a contribution to CEJIL’s work here.