Axana Soltan: A Voice for Human Rights

Axana Soltan is an Afghan-American international lawyer and professorial research scholar specializing in international criminal law, human rights, and gender justice. As a prominent voice in international legal advocacy, Soltan is leading efforts to hold Taliban leaders accountable for their systematic persecution of Afghan women. At the International Criminal Court (ICC), she is working to establish gender persecution as a crime against humanity under Article 7(1)(h) of the Rome Statute—an important legal milestone in the global fight for women’s rights.

Soltan has made history as the first Afghan-American woman to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Justitia Award, presented at the Palace of Justice, seated in the Supreme Court of Vienna, Austria. This distinguished honor recognizes her extraordinary contributions to international law, human rights advocacy, and global justice. 

In 2024, Soltan was also named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, a testament to her influence and impact in the fields of law and social justice. She holds both a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a Post-Juris Doctor LL.M. in International and Comparative Law from The George Washington University Law School. During her studies, she was a Merit-Based Scholar and was honored with the Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Award for her dedication to promoting justice and equality. Soltan also served as a guide editor for the George Washington International Law Review and clerked for the Honorable Judge Michael J. Ryan at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

Soltan grew up witnessing the devastating effects of war in Afghanistan, an experience that instilled in her a profound understanding of injustice and inequality. At the age of 12, she and her family fled to the United States as refugees, starting a new life in an unfamiliar country. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and learning a new language, Soltan excelled in school. Her determination led her to pursue a law degree, driven by a powerful mission: "I made a promise to myself as a young girl that if I ever had the chance to be a voice for those who have been silenced, I would never take it for granted." — From her keynote speech at the Global Refugee Forum, 2022.

Soltan has dedicated her career to standing up for vulnerable communities. She provides legal assistance to refugees and immigrants, often working pro bono to ensure that those who cannot afford representation are not left without a voice. "Every human being deserves dignity, safety, and the chance to dream beyond survival."
— Quoted in her TEDx Talk, "Dreaming Beyond Survival," 2023.

Her work focuses on empowering women and girls, particularly those who have survived conflict, displacement, and discrimination. She also educates others on human rights issues through speaking engagements, workshops, and grassroots initiatives. "When we empower women, we create ripple effects that uplift entire families, communities, and nations." — Interview with Amnesty International’s “Voices for Change” podcast, Episode 14, 2023.

Soltan’s influence has reached far beyond borders. She has spoken at international forums and human rights panels, bringing attention to the challenges facing refugees, immigrants, and marginalized populations.  "I don’t speak for people; I stand beside them so their own voices can be heard louder and clearer."
—  UN Women’s Global Leadership Conference, 2024.

Soltan mentors students, encouraging them to embrace their potential and use their talents for good.  "You don’t have to wait until you have a title or degree to make a difference. Change begins with compassion and action, no matter how small." — Commencement address at Georgetown University, School of Law, 2023

Soltan continues to be a tireless advocate for justice, equality, and human rights. Through her legal work, public speaking, and community initiatives, she challenges injustice and amplifies the voices of those often unheard. Said Soltan "We are all connected by our shared humanity. When one of us suffers, we all lose. But when one of us rises, we all rise together.",— Closing statement at the World Humanitarian Summit, 2024.