Law Prof is Appointed as UN Special Rapporteur

The United Nations Human Rights Council has appointed Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Law, as the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism. 

In this role, Ní Aoláin will be charged with making recommendations on safeguarding human rights while countering terrorism and, at the request of states, providing advisory services or technical assistance on such matters; investigating and reporting on alleged violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms; identifying and promoting best practices on counterterrorism measures that respect human rights and fundamental freedoms; and reporting regularly to the Human Rights Council and the U.N. General Assembly, among other duties.

A recent article by Ní Aoláin, titled "The War on Terror and Extremism: Assessing the Relevance of the 'Women, Peace and Security Agenda,'" provides a thoughtful and critical assessment of feminist movements in this arena, perhaps a precursor to some of the thematic work that she will undertake as Special Rapporteur.