Trigger warning: discussions of violence, racism and sexual abuse
On Thursday, 24th October, we held an In Conversation event with Nazir Afzal OBE at Manchester HOME. Hosted by Radio 5 Live’s Rachel Burden, the pair talked us through Nazir’s life and career, sharing inspiring stories and giving insight into recent high-profile cases. Nazir Afzal OBE is a distinguished British solicitor and former Chief Crown Prosecutor, best known for his groundbreaking work in tackling violence against women, particularly honour-based violence, domestic abuse, and sexual exploitation.
The event began with Nazir recounting his childhood. Born to Pakistani immigrant parents in Birmingham in 1962, Afzal grew up in a close-knit community where he witnessed a troubled cultural integration and the often-overlooked challenges faced by minority communities. He recalled the frequent racial abuse he faced at his school. These experiences shaped his understanding of justice, motivating him to pursue a career in law and later lead initiatives to protect vulnerable populations.
Afzal went on to recall how he studied law at the University of Birmingham and began his career as a prosecutor in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Over the years, he built a reputation for his commitment to justice and his ability to address sensitive cases with empathy and rigour. His dedication to supporting victims of violence, especially within minority communities, marked his career from the outset, setting him apart as a progressive voice in a field that often struggled with cultural and societal nuance. He shared an inspiring question his mother asked him as he began his job as a trainee solicitor, “what have you done today that improves the life of a stranger?”. This question inspired him to take his career in a new direction.
He then spoke about how his career reached new heights when he was appointed Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, a job he thought would be easier than his role in London, making him the first Muslim to hold this senior position within the CPS. During his tenure, he led numerous high-profile cases, including the Rochdale grooming scandal, where young girls had been systematically abused and exploited by grooming gangs. The case had previously been overlooked, and Afzal’s commitment to justice brought it back to the forefront. His bold decision to prosecute the perpetrators brought national attention to the issue of grooming and exploitation, and he advocated tirelessly for the rights of victims whose voices had been silenced for years.
Afzal’s work in the Rochdale case was transformative, highlighting the gaps in the criminal justice system and inspiring reforms in the handling of similar cases. His approach underscored the need for cultural sensitivity and a deep understanding of the victims’ backgrounds and vulnerabilities. Beyond prosecuting criminals, he actively challenged stereotypes within law enforcement and the broader public, advocating for increased awareness of cultural dynamics within legal frameworks. His influence on the CPS’s approach to culturally specific crimes marked a significant shift, earning him respect as a pioneer in the field.
Afzal’s contributions to justice and his ongoing commitment to advocating for the vulnerable have made him a role model for aspiring lawyers and social advocates alike. He is celebrated not only for his legal expertise but also for his courage in confronting complex societal issues that often fall through the cracks. Nazir Afzal’s legacy continues to inspire change, shaping a more inclusive and responsive justice system in the United Kingdom. Through his work, he has proven that empathy and a relentless pursuit of justice can transform lives and communities, marking him as one of the most influential figures in British law enforcement today.
The morning concluded on an emotional note, Nazir spoke about an email he received from a victim of the Rochdale grooming gangs, years after the perpetrators were sentenced. The woman was one of the original victims of the gang who had her case dropped before Nazir reopened the investigation. In the email the woman said: “My life began when you believed me”. These words struck a chord with the room, and it reaffirmed to the legal professionals in the room how important it is to listen to those who need help and fight for justice for those who can’t fight for themselves.
Thank you to Nazir and Rachel for making this In Conversation event one to remember. We will soon be sharing a video with highlights from the event, so keep an eye on our social media pages to see when that goes live.