Note of condolence on the passing of Catarina de Albuquerque

It is with deep sadness and heartfelt consternation that NOVA School of Law announces the passing of Catarina de Albuquerque, Chair of the Faculty Council.

Throughout her career, Catarina de Albuquerque gained international prominence in the defence of Human Rights, with particular emphasis on the right to water and sanitation. With a degree in Law from the University of Lisbon and a Master’s degree in International Law from the Institut Universitaire de Hautes Études Internationales (Geneva, Switzerland), in 2008 she became the first United Nations Special Rapporteur on Water and Sanitation, leading the recognition of access to safe water as a universal human right. Since 2014, she served as CEO of the UN Global Partnership Sanitation and Water for All, further strengthening its global impact.

She has been a Visiting Professor at the Law Faculties of the University of Minho and the University of Coimbra, and received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of North Carolina.

Among other honours, she received the Gold Medal for Human Rights from the Portuguese Parliament, the Order of Merit from the President of the Portuguese Republic, and the IWA Global Water Award. Recently, in 2025, she was named by Forbes Portugal as one of the 50 most powerful women in the country.

As Chair of the Board of NOVA School of Law, Catarina de Albuquerque inspired our entire academic community through her example of leadership, integrity, and commitment to Human Rights. Her work, vision, and dedication leave a lasting legacy that will continue to guide the Faculty and all of us.

On behalf of NOVA School of Law, the Dean, Professor Margarida Lima Rego, extends her deepest condolences to the family and friends of Catarina de Albuquerque.