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A tribute to Professor Sir Nigel Rodley

Press release issued: 26 January 2017

It is with deep sadness that we learned yesterday about the passing of Nigel Rodley.  Professor Sir Nigel Rodley KBE was Chair of the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Essex, former member of the UN Human Rights Committee and had a distinguished career as a champion of human rights. Professor Rachel Murray, Director of the Human Rights Implementation Centre said "I am extremely saddened by Nigel's passing. He was always warm, interested and supportive and gave me many opportunities early and throughout my career. A true inspiration. He leaves a lasting legacy to the human rights global community which should not be forgotten in our fight for human rights around the world. He will be greatly missed and his family, friends and colleagues are in our thoughts".

Professor Sir Malcolm Evans noted '"He was a giant of human rights protection who was – and who will remain - an inspiration to so many. I counted him a friend, and felt it a real privilege of being able to do so. It will always be a privilege and a pleasure to have known him and particularly to have worked alongside him on issues concerning the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment, the topic to which he devoted so much of himself and which he has so greatly shaped. I have learnt so much from him, yet knew there was always so much more that he had to teach and from which I could learn. We know him to be a leader of the leaders of global human rights protection, and – yes, why not? – to be a ‘father’ of the prohibition of torture. There will be time for reflection and commemoration, and celebration, of all his achievements and contributions, but now it is right to have a time for sadness at the passing of a truly great man. You are all in my thoughts."

 

 

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