November 7th, 2024: Our 2024 Kovler students have arrived in Geneva! This week, they will be participating in the 81st session of the United Nations Committee Against Torture, contributing to the work of the Committee’s members through the research and work they have undertaken during the whole semester. During their visit, this year's cohort met with Committee Against Torture members directly to share the outcomes of their assignments this semester.
 
Additionally, the students had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Joao Nataf, Secretary of the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture. The UN Subcommittee is empowered to monitor compliance with the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture, particularly on the deprivation of liberty and conditions within detention settings.
 
The in-loco component of the semester also allowed students to meet with other critical actors in the anti-torture sphere, such as members of the Association for the Prevention of Torture, the World Organisation Against Torture, the International Commission of Jurists and the International Committee of the Red Cross. During this week, students directly engaged in conversations with representatives of the countries’ non-governmental organizations, who shared their insights and challenges during an inspiring exchange.
 
The project has allowed our students to learn more about the challenges facing the advancement of respect for human rights and dignity, and what more can be done to enshrine the rule of law across jurisdictions.
 
“It has been an incredibly special and extraordinary experience to meet with Committee Against Torture members, witness Committee sessions live, and see our research have a real impact through the Committee's questions. This project has allowed us to meet with NGOs, members of other UN mechanisms like the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture, and interact with State party delegations. Personally, I feel like the knowledge I have gained through this program is invaluable, and goes beyond what can be taught in a classroom.” – Vineeta Chauhan, J.D. ‘26
 
The Kovler Project Against Torture offers a unique opportunity to delve deeply into the prohibition of torture under international law and develop crucial legal skills through a comprehensive understanding of anti-torture law and practices.
Professor Claudio Grossman teaches this competitive program with the support of Assistant Director Marta Treviño-Leyva.
 
“After imagining how the UN Committee against Torture's (CAT) constructive dialogue with state parties works in real life, it's pretty incredible to now be running from a meeting with NGOs that traveled far to Geneva to promote the prohibition of torture in their country to the actual live session of the UN Committee against Torture with the delegation of the country under review. It's a unique insight and an amazing privilege to be here!” – Kaja Bôrner, LL.M ‘24
 
Visit our website to learn more about the application process and be part of the Kovler Project Against Torture 2025!