Professor Sir Nigel Rodley

We are greatly saddened by the death of our patron Professor Sir Nigel Rodley who worked for decades to prevent torture and secure redress, including the right to rehabilitation, for survivors.

Sir Nigel served as trustee of Freedom from Torture from 2003 to 2013 after finishing his distinguished tenure as the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture (1993 to 2001). 

His contribution to our work, including as Chair of the Policy Committee of our board and as a patron from 2014, was immeasurable. We benefited from his advice on a wide range of legal and policy matters relating to torture and his unrelenting commitment to fighting torture from local to global levels. 

Sir Nigel's legacy includes our Torture Accountability Programme, which uses Freedom from Torture’s forensic medical evidence and direct work with survivors of torture to strengthen national and international torture prevention and accountability efforts, as well as ensure international protection for survivors. 

He is remembered with great affection by trustees, staff and a countless number of torture survivors at Freedom from Torture to whom he provided support and inspiration over so many years.  

Francesca Klug, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Freedom from Torture, said:

 

 

“Nigel dedicated his life to the defence and promotion of human rights worldwide and the eradication of torture in particular. His modesty and unassuming manner belied the enormous contribution he made as a lawyer, teacher, scholar, advocate and leader, both nationally and internationally.

“We were very lucky that he was such a strong supporter of Freedom from Torture where his legacy is immeasurable. All of us who knew him were inspired not just by his knowledge and wisdom, but by the obvious respect and concern he felt for his fellow human beings. He did not just believe in human rights, but in his generosity and kindness he modelled the change he wished to see.

“In the turbulent times we are living through, we need Nigel's good sense and unswerving belief that a better world is possible, more than ever. He will be deeply missed.”

Professor Sir Nigel Rodley

1 December 1941 – 25 January 2017