Human rights Professor Francesca Klug to chair Freedom from Torture

Freedom from Torture is delighted to announce that Professor Francesca Klug OBE, one of the UK's foremost authorities on human rights, will become Chair of its Board of Trustees on 15 March 2016.

She will take over from Dr Frank Margison, who is retiring after ten years as a trustee. He has previously been clinical director of Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust and was involved in establishing Freedom from Torture North West in Manchester.

Professor Klug, who has already been meeting staff and survivors, said:

“As someone who has been a human rights activist and academic for decades I thought I already knew a lot about Freedom from Torture, but I have now learnt so much more about its exceptional work. I have been impressed by the commitment, dedication and professionalism I have encountered at all levels and throughout the organisation.  It will motivate and inspire me in my role as Chair.”

Susan Munroe, Chief Executive, Freedom from Torture, said:

"Professor Klug's knowledge and commitment to public service in the field of human rights is outstanding. We are thrilled that she has chosen to serve our organisation and torture survivors.

"As we end our 30th anniversary year, we remain grateful for the unstinting guidance and support of our current Chair of Trustees, Dr Frank Margison, in helping us to set out our vision and ambitions for the next ten years."

Professor Klug was formerly Director of the Human Rights Futures Project at the London School of Economics' Centre for the Study of Human Rights and is a Visiting Professor and member of the Centre's Advisory Board. She has researched, written and lectured on human rights for 25 years, and is a former Equality and Human Rights Commissioner, and Government advisor on the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law. Her most recent book, A Magna Carta for all Humanity, Homing in on Human Rights, was published by Routledge in June 2015 to coincide with the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. All Royalties from the book sales will come to Freedom from Torture.

Since 1985 Freedom from Torture has been the only national human rights organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation and support of torture survivors seeking refuge in the UK. It does this primarily through offering psychological therapies and forensic documentation of torture as well as offering practical and welfare support.