Recognising nearly four decades of human-rights, refugee, immigration and humanitarian service
THE NELAS ACADEMY | SEPTEMBER 2026
The Nelas Academy of Arts, Media and Television has announced the nomination of Mr. Jean C. Taquet, a French lawyer, former French Army jurist officer and longstanding human-rights advocate, among The Nelas 50 Most Inspirational & Humanitarian People 2025/2026.
For almost four decades, Mr. Taquet has devoted a significant part of his life to supporting vulnerable people, refugees, immigrants and communities facing social and legal challenges. His humanitarian involvement has taken him from community service in the United States to immigration and refugee assistance in France and, more recently, to the fight against female genital mutilation in Tanzania.
A LONG RECORD OF HUMANITARIAN SERVICE
Mr. Taquet’s commitment to community service began in the United States in 1987, when he became a member of the Newark, Delaware chapter of the Jaycees, a non-profit organisation dedicated to community service by young professionals. During that period, he regularly visited inmates at a women’s penitentiary in Claymont, Delaware.
After returning to France, he became a member of the American Church in Paris in 1993. He subsequently led and organised a major immigration assistance project with the church’s Filipino Fellowship between 1993 and 1997. The initiative resulted in all participating members obtaining legal residency.
His humanitarian work continued through the Evangelical church Mission Évangélique Parmi les Sans-Logis, where he served on the Board beginning in 2000. He also served as Vice-President and managed a weekly assistance session supporting homeless people and undocumented migrants, many of whom originated from former French African colonies.
REFUGEE ASSISTANCE AND AFRICAN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
In 2002, Mr. Taquet became a member of the African Fellowship of the American Church in Paris, where he remains a committed member.
From 2002 until 2019, he also ran the church’s Refugee Ministry, providing assistance and support to refugees and people facing difficult immigration circumstances. Over the years, this work placed him in direct contact with individuals seeking protection, stability and practical assistance while navigating complex circumstances.
SUPPORT FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST FGM
Mr. Taquet’s humanitarian engagement has continued into the present decade. In early 2024, he joined three other founders in establishing Hope for Girls and Women in Tanzania France, a non-profit organisation chartered at his office.
The organisation supports the Tanzanian NGO led by Rhobi Samwelly, whose work focuses on combating female genital mutilation (FGM) and protecting girls and women from the practice.
STATEMENT FROM THE NELAS PRESIDENT
“Jean C. Taquet represents a form of humanitarian service built on consistency, personal involvement and a willingness to stand alongside people facing difficult circumstances. From immigration and refugee assistance to support for homeless people and the protection of girls and women, his record reflects decades of practical engagement with human-rights issues.”
“The Nelas 50 initiative seeks to document people whose service to humanity deserves recognition and preservation. Mr. Taquet’s longstanding contribution, particularly his work with refugees, migrants and vulnerable communities, is a significant part of that story.”
— Frank Ikegwuonu
President, The Nelas Academy
PROFESSIONAL AND HUMANITARIAN BACKGROUND
A French citizen with a law degree, Mr. Taquet previously served in the French Army as a jurist officer. His legal background has complemented his humanitarian activities, particularly in areas involving immigration, refugee assistance and access to legal status.
His nomination among The Nelas 50 Most Inspirational & Humanitarian People 2025/2026 recognises a sustained record of service extending across several countries, communities and humanitarian causes.
ABOUT THE NELAS 50
The Nelas 50 Most Inspirational & Humanitarian People initiative is part of The Nelas Academy’s wider programme of documenting and recognising individuals whose work in humanitarian service, leadership, education, culture, community development and related fields has contributed meaningfully to society.
Issued by The Nelas Academy of Arts, Media and Television
Frank Ikegwuonu, President
Official Communications Office
