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Diana Buttu

Prominent Palestinian legal advocate

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Date of Birth:

1970

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Toronto, Canada

Place of Birth:

Why Featured?

Renowned for her advocacy for Palestinian rights and her role in international legal and media representation of Palestinian issues.

Brief bio

Diana Buttu is a Palestinian-Canadian lawyer, analyst, and former spokesperson for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). She has served as a legal advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and has been a prominent voice in advocating for Palestinian rights on international platforms. Buttu has worked extensively with media outlets to communicate the Palestinian narrative and has held various academic and advisory positions at prestigious institutions.

Major Milestones

Contributions

  • Earned Law Degrees: Completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, obtained a JD from Queen’s University in Canada, an LL.M. from Stanford University, and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management (Harvard Human Rights Program) (Harvard University) .

  • Joined the PLO’s Negotiation Support Unit (2000): Took a position with the PLO’s Negotiation Support Unit during the Second Intifada, marking the beginning of her active involvement in Palestinian advocacy (IMEU) .

  • Became Legal Advisor to Mahmoud Abbas (2005): Appointed as legal and communications advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, contributing to the strategic planning and international advocacy efforts of the Palestinian Authority (Belfer Center) .

  • Media Advocacy: After leaving the NSU, Buttu focused on explaining the Palestinian perspective to international media, working with journalists and appearing on major news outlets to discuss the realities of the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

  • Academic Contributions: Held fellowships at Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Law School, and Stanford University, and taught at Birzeit University, using her academic platform to further educate and advocate for Palestinian rights.

  • Advocacy for Palestinian Rights: Through her role with the PLO and as a media commentator, Buttu has been a staunch advocate for Palestinian rights, bringing international attention to the injustices faced by Palestinians under occupation...See More

  • Media Engagement: Buttu has worked tirelessly to present the Palestinian narrative in international media, countering mainstream biases and ensuring that the Palestinian perspective is heard globally...See More

  • Legal Expertise: Provided legal advice and strategic direction to the Palestinian leadership, helping to shape policies and responses to the challenges posed by the Israeli occupation.

  • Public Speaking and Education: Buttu has engaged in extensive public speaking, educating international audiences about the Palestinian cause and advocating for justice and equality for Palestinians.

  • Support for Palestinian Institutions: Through her academic roles and involvement with organizations like Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network, Buttu has contributed to the development of Palestinian civil society and policy-making.

Date of Last Update: 
September 3, 2024

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