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Top human rights lawyer shares stories with students
A leading international human rights lawyer gave Coatbridge students a fascinating insight into his extraordinary career.
Professor Nils Melzer, the human rights chair of the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, paid a visit to New College Lanarkshire’s campus in the town to share his experiences.
Currently a professor in International Law at the University of Glasgow, Professor Melzer delivered a lecture on the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment.
He covered topics including the definition of torture, obligations of states, international anti-torture mechanisms and the current priorities of the UN.
Throughout the presentation, the award-winning author called upon a number of experiences throughout his vast career – including his time as legal adviser for the international committee of the Red Cross, research director of the Swiss Competence Centre on human rights and his representation on the steering committee of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers.
The lecture was opened by Dr Robert
Allan, the college’s assistant head of faculty for business, social science and sport, who organised the event.
He said: “It was a great honour to welcome a highly important global figure such as Professor Melzer to New College Lanarkshire to share his profound expertise in human rights with us.
“Those in attendance and those who tuned in online benefitted greatly from his lecture, which put human rights laws into context, as he provided credible examples which meant the audience were highly engaged.
“I’d like to thank Professor Melzer for coming along to the college and inspiring our students to use their work and studies to be a force for good in the world.
“I’d also like to thank those who helped organise and make the event possible, including the dedicated staff in the faculty of business, social science and sport.
“Our sound production and film and TV students also assisted on the day to ensure live streaming and recording of the event, while some of our social science students manned registration for the popular lecture.
“We look forward to working together with Professor Melzer in the future.”
College principal and CEO, Professor
Christopher Moore, attended the lecture and gave the vote of thanks.
He presented Professor Melzer with a New College Lanarkshire Quaich, saying: “Professor Melzer delivered an extraordinary lecture that provided a vivid and compelling accounting of his work for the UN.
“In his work, Nils has been bold in terms of scope, rigorous in the methodologies that he deploys and he is fair and compassion in the conclusions that he makes.
“His visit to the college was, without doubt, an important and significant moment.”
Following the lecture, students had the opportunity to quiz Professor Melzer on the topics covered as well as on his career, with one student asking about how he chose human rights as a career path, to which Professor Melzer answered: “It’s always been in my character to intervene, and fight for fairness.
“Even since I was age four and witnessed another child being picked on, I knew I couldn’t be a bystander in my life; I am diplomatic by nature and hate injustice.
“I didn’t choose this career to be a hero, I just identify with victims and aim to help.”