Fionnuala Ní Aoláin Appointed Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has appointed Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin of the University of Minnesota as the U.N.’s 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. The appointment has a three-year term. She will continue her full-time teaching and research at the University of Minnesota while serving as Special Rapporteur.

Ní Aoláin’s involvement with the United Nations dates back to 2003, when she was appointed by the secretary-general as Special Expert on promoting gender equality in times of conflict and peacemaking. She also consults regularly with U.N. Women and the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the Council of Europe, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.K. Department of International Development, and numerous domestic and international NGOs.

Click here to read more.

Hat tip to June Carbone, Robina Chair of Law, Science, and Technology at the University of Minnesota Law School.

(mew)