Dr Francis Anthony Boyle (1950-2025): A true human rights advocate

“Assalamu Alaikum.” Those were the first words Dr. Francis Boyle greeted me with when I met him in 2008 during a visit to the University of Illinois for a law professor job interview. Though he was not part of the hiring process, when I expressed my interest in meeting him, he graciously welcomed me to his office. We engaged in an enlightening discussion on the post-9/11 world, the erosion of the rule of law, and the dissertation I was working on at the time.

He generously shared insights from his experiences at the United Nations and his encounters with the FBI and their antics on campus, demonstrating his deep commitment to legal and ethical principles. I was a great admirer of his work, as were many lawyers and international affairs professionals who drew inspiration from his principled advocacy.

It is with profound sorrow that I mourn the passing of Dr. Francis Anthony Boyle, a towering figure in the field of international law, a tireless advocate for justice, and an unyielding defender of human rights. Dr. Boyle passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of lawyers, scholars, and activists committed to the pursuit of truth and justice.

Born on March 25, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, Dr Boyle’s academic and professional journey was marked by intellectual rigour and a fearless commitment to justice. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Chicago in 1971 before obtaining his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1976. He further solidified his expertise in international law by earning both a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Harvard University in 1983.

As a professor at the University of Illinois College of Law for over four decades, Dr. Boyle was an influential educator who shaped the minds of countless students in the fields of international law, human rights, and U.S. foreign affairs. His scholarship was groundbreaking, and his contributions to the legal literature—such as World Politics and International Law and Destroying World Order: U.S. Imperialism in the Middle East Before and After September 11—remain essential readings in the field.

His other seminal works include The Palestinian Right of Return Under International Law, Palestine, Palestinians, and International Law, Biowarfare and Terrorism, and Protesting Power: War, Resistance, and Law. These publications, among others, have shaped global discourse on war crimes, human rights, and international justice.

Dr. Boyle's commitment to justice extended far beyond the classroom. He played a pivotal role in drafting the U.S. domestic implementing legislation for the Biological Weapons Convention, resulting in the Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act of 1989, which was unanimously approved by Congress and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. His legal acumen was sought after by numerous international entities, including serving as counsel for Bosnia and Herzegovina in its genocide case against Serbia before the International Court of Justice.

Dr. Boyle was instrumental in preparing and filing the genocide case against Serbia, one of the most significant legal efforts to hold a state accountable for crimes against humanity. He also represented two Bosnian associations in their pursuit of justice, ensuring that the atrocities committed during the war were not forgotten.

Beyond Bosnia, Dr Boyle was a steadfast advocate for Tamil rights, working tirelessly to highlight the plight of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. He played a critical role in the legal groundwork for the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE), advocating for Tamil self-determination and holding Sri Lanka accountable for human rights violations and war crimes. His work provided a legal framework for the Tamil diaspora to seek justice on the international stage.

According to Professor Richard Falk: "Throughout his productive life Francis associated himself with many neglected struggles for justice, with special attention given to opposing Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian people, which he termed genocidal as early as 2009. He acted as a legal advisor to the Palestinian Authority and to the Palestinian negotiating team."

He was also a staunch legal advocate for Palestinian rights, vocally supporting their struggle for self-determination and denouncing Israeli occupation and human rights abuses. He actively pursued legal avenues to hold world leaders accountable, including advocating for the prosecution of U.S. and Israeli officials for crimes against humanity. His extensive legal and advisory work also extended to Indigenous nations such as the Blackfoot Nation, the Nation of Hawaii, and the Lakota Nation, demonstrating his unwavering support for self-determination and justice for historically marginalized peoples.

His unwavering stance on international justice often placed him at odds with powerful interests, yet he remained undeterred. Dr. Boyle was a fearless critic of U.S. foreign policy and an outspoken advocate against war crimes, nuclear proliferation, and state-sponsored oppression.

Dr. Boyle’s legacy is one of unwavering moral courage. His friend and fellow scholar Richard Falk noted that Boyle exemplified the rare combination of scholarly brilliance and ethical activism, embodying the true spirit of a progressive international legal expert. While his outspoken nature and uncompromising positions sometimes drew controversy, his dedication to justice was undeniable.

His passing is not just a moment for reflection but a call to action—to continue his relentless pursuit of justice and human rights. A memorial service will be announced at a later date to honour his extraordinary life and contributions.

Dr. Boyle is survived by his wife, Glenna, and his children: Francis, Philip, Patrick, Michael, Anne, Fr. Stephen Boyle (residing in Rome, Italy), Jane, and Jeanne, along with his family, friends, colleagues, and the many individuals whose lives he touched through his advocacy.

Dr Francis Boyle’s departure leaves a void in the world of international law and human rights, but his impact endures. May he rest in power, and may his work continue to serve as a beacon for those who seek justice in an often unjust world.

Faisal Kutty is a Toronto/Los Angeles-based lawyer, law professor, and regular contributor to The Toronto Star. His articles also appear in Newsweek, Aljazeera, Zeteo, and Middle East Eye. You can follow him on X @faisalkutty