December 6th, 2024: As the semester draws to a close, we are wrapping up the content and exciting activities relating to the Kovler Project for 2024 and beginning our preparations for 2025.
 
This year, our participating students developed critical analytical skills in engaging with the obligations of states to prevent torture, specifically working on the state party submissions of Cameroon, Jordan, Kuwait, Mongolia, Namibia, and Thailand. These states all presented a wide range of issues relating to obligations under the Convention Against Torture.
 
During the semester, our Kovler students worked collaboratively in classes under the expert teaching of Professor and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman to develop an acute understanding of the issues pertinent to each state. In our annual in-loco session, under the supervision of Professor Diego Rodriguez-Pinzón – a former member of the Committee Against Torture – and Marta Treviño-Leyva, Assistant Director of the Project, the Kovler students travelled to Geneva to put their skills to use through direct liaison with Committee members. Kovler students also had fruitful exchanges with NGOs and civil society organizations working in anti-torture, and other relevant actors in international law.
 
"Working alongside the United Nations Committee Against Torture has shown me the power of cooperation in shaping a more just and compassionate world. In our discussions with Committee members, we focused on priority issues such as unlawful detention conditions, oversight of places of deprivation of liberty, improving training for police and medical personnel, gender-based violence, and LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand. The rapporteurs were receptive to our data and questions, using them as core resources to strengthen their research and draft targeted questions and recommendations. It was a privilege to work with the rapporteurs on this project. This experience has strengthened my resolve to drive systemic change, promote accountability, and protect the rights of vulnerable communities after law school." – Emily Moran, J.D./M.A. ‘25
 
The Project offers enhanced support to the Committee’s functions, recognizing the value of the Committee’s role in international legal mechanisms to support the elimination of torture and cruel or inhuman treatment. The Committee also appreciated the value that our students provide toward their evaluations of state parties and in the provision of recommendations where appropriate, resorting to their contributions on an active basis.
 
“The shadow reports from the Kovler students are of high quality, both informative and meaningful. I appreciate the efforts and the high spirits of the young generation. It is helpful and encouraging!” – Mr. Huawen Liu, Member of the UN Committee Against Torture
 
"As a member of the Committee, I was impressed by the students’ professionalism. They were well prepared and provided excellent feedback. As a law professor, I would like to offer such a fantastic opportunity to my own students!” - Mr. Jorge Contesse, Member of the UN Committee Against Torture
 
“It was a true pleasure to meet in November with the Kovler students during our 81st Session of the Committee Against Torture in Geneva. It was inspiring for me to see their enthusiasm for the work and the goals that the Committee is committed to promoting. The questions they asked make clear how well-prepared they are, how thoughtful they are about the many difficult issues that Committee members must face, and how important the program is in educating the next generation of human rights lawyers and advocates.” – Professor Todd Buchwald, Member of the UN Committee Against Torture
 
We encourage all interested students to apply for the KPAT's 2025 cohort. If you have the drive to prevent the practice of torture worldwide and want to develop your skills and knowledge through research and practice, this is the Project for you! Applications open in January.
 
Please visit our Apply Now page or click here for more information on the application process and stay tuned to learn more during our upcoming info sessions. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Kovler Project and Impact Litigation Assistant Director, Marta Treviño-Leyva, at mtleyva@wcl.american.edu.