The French-British jurist and author Philippe Sands has been awarded the Peace Prize of the German Booksellers Association for 2026, the Stiftung Council announced on Thursday. The council cited Sands’ commitment to justice, peace, and the resolute defense of international law, labeling him “one of the most important intellectual voices of our time.” As a descendant of Holocaust survivors, Sands traces the origins of international law through his family history, illustrating the experiences and realities behind the charges of “genocide” and “crimes against humanity.”
In his literary work, Philippe Sands examines both the motives of the perpetrators and the suffering of the victims. According to the foundation council, his portrayal gives these victims “a voice and deserves respect.”
Born in London in 1960, Philippe Sands is currently a Professor of International Law at University College London and a visiting professor at Harvard Law School. He has worked with the International Court of Justice in The Hague and served as a human rights lawyer in significant international legal cases. In addition to publishing specialized legal books and essays, Sands has also been active as a non-fiction literary author since 2016.
The award ceremony will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Paulskirche in Frankfurt. The Peace Prize has been presented since 1950 and is endowed with 25,000 euros.
