The Kovler Project Against Torture (KPAT) is a one-of-a-kind experiential education opportunity, through which students make key contributions to the sessions of the United Nations Committee Against Torture (UN CAT). The Project and its corresponding class on Torture Prohibition in International Law are taught by Professor and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman, former Chair of the UN CAT, and supported by Assistant Director to the Project Marta Treviño-Leyva. Kovler Student Scholars engage in a “deep dive” on the prohibition of torture in international law and on the professional skills and considerations instrumental to effective lawyering in international settings. Each November, students provide on-site legal support in Geneva to the Committee chairperson and country rapporteurs during the first week of the Committee sessions.
Kovler students will be undertaking classes related to the Convention Against Torture and engage with substantive issues ahead of working with the Convention in Geneva.
The main activities undertaken by students in the Kovler Project include:
During their visit to Geneva, Kovler students have the chance to explore networking and career opportunities in organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as the International Commission of Jurists.
Applications for the Fall 2024 Kovler Project have closed – please consult the Current Students page for information on the Fall 2024 Kovler Project participants. The application process for Fall 2025 will open in January 2025.
December 6th, 2024: As the semester draws to a close, we are wrapping up the content and exciting activities relating to the Kovler Project for 2024 and beginning our preparations for 2025.
This year, our participating students developed critical analytical skills in engaging with the obligations of states to prevent torture, specifically working on the state party submissions of Cameroon, Jordan, Kuwait, Mongolia, Namibia, and Thailand. These states all presented a wide range of issues relating to obligations under the Convention Against Torture.
During the semester, our Kovler students worked collaboratively in classes under the expert teaching of Professor and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman to develop an acute understanding of the issues pertinent to each state. In our annual in-loco session, under the supervision of Professor Diego Rodriguez-Pinzón – a former member of the Committee Against Torture – and Marta Treviño-Leyva, Assistant Director of the Project, the Kovler students travelled to Geneva to put their skills to use through direct liaison with Committee members. Kovler students also had fruitful exchanges with NGOs and civil society organizations working in anti-torture, and other relevant actors in international law.
"Working alongside the United Nations Committee Against Torture has shown me the power of cooperation in shaping a more just and compassionate world. In our discussions with Committee members, we focused on priority issues such as unlawful detention conditions, oversight of places of deprivation of liberty, improving training for police and medical personnel, gender-based violence, and LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand. The rapporteurs were receptive to our data and questions, using them as core resources to strengthen their research and draft targeted questions and recommendations. It was a privilege to work with the rapporteurs on this project. This experience has strengthened my resolve to drive systemic change, promote accountability, and protect the rights of vulnerable communities after law school." – Emily Moran, J.D./M.A. ‘25
The Project offers enhanced support to the Committee’s functions, recognizing the value of the Committee’s role in international legal mechanisms to support the elimination of torture and cruel or inhuman treatment. The Committee also appreciated the value that our students provide toward their evaluations of state parties and in the provision of recommendations where appropriate, resorting to their contributions on an active basis.
“The shadow reports from the Kovler students are of high quality, both informative and meaningful. I appreciate the efforts and the high spirits of the young generation. It is helpful and encouraging!” – Mr. Huawen Liu, Member of the UN Committee Against Torture
"As a member of the Committee, I was impressed by the students’ professionalism. They were well prepared and provided excellent feedback. As a law professor, I would like to offer such a fantastic opportunity to my own students!” - Mr. Jorge Contesse, Member of the UN Committee Against Torture
“It was a true pleasure to meet in November with the Kovler students during our 81st Session of the Committee Against Torture in Geneva.
It was inspiring for me to see their enthusiasm for the work and the goals that the Committee is committed to promoting. The questions they asked make clear how well-prepared they are, how thoughtful they are about the many difficult issues that Committee members must face, and how important the program is in educating the next generation of human rights lawyers and advocates.” – Professor Todd Buchwald, Member of the UN Committee Against Torture
We encourage all interested students to apply for the KPAT's 2025 cohort. If you have the drive to prevent the practice of torture worldwideand want to develop your skills and knowledge through research and practice, this is the Project for you!Applications open in January.
Please visit our Apply Now page or clickherefor more information on the application process and stay tuned to learn more during our upcoming info sessions.If you have any questions or concerns, please contact theKovler Project and Impact Litigation Assistant Director, Marta Treviño-Leyva, atmtleyva@wcl.american.edu.
November 7th, 2024: Our 2024 Kovler students have arrived in Geneva! This week, they will be participating in the 81st session of the United Nations Committee Against Torture, contributing to the work of the Committee’s members through the research and work they have undertaken during the whole semester. During their visit, this year's cohort met with Committee Against Torture members directly to share the outcomes of their assignments this semester.
Additionally, the students had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Joao Nataf, Secretary of the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture. The UN Subcommittee is empowered to monitor compliance with the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture, particularly on the deprivation of liberty and conditions within detention settings.
The in-loco component of the semester also allowed students to meet with other critical actors in the anti-torture sphere, such as members of the Association for the Prevention of Torture, the World Organisation Against Torture, the International Commission of Jurists and the International Committee of the Red Cross. During this week, students directly engaged in conversations with representatives of the countries’ non-governmental organizations, who shared their insights and challenges during an inspiring exchange.
The project has allowed our students to learn more about the challenges facing the advancement of respect for human rights and dignity, and what more can be done to enshrine the rule of law across jurisdictions.
“It has been an incredibly special and extraordinary experience to meet with Committee Against Torture members, witness Committee sessions live, and see our research have a real impact through the Committee's questions. This project has allowed us to meet with NGOs, members of other UN mechanisms like the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture, and interact with State party delegations. Personally, I feel like the knowledge I have gained through this program is invaluable, and goes beyond what can be taught in a classroom.” – Vineeta Chauhan, J.D. ‘26
The Kovler Project Against Torture offers a unique opportunity to delve deeply into the prohibition of torture under international law and develop crucial legal skills through a comprehensive understanding of anti-torture law and practices.
Professor Claudio Grossman teaches this competitive program with the support of Assistant Director Marta Treviño-Leyva.
“After imagining how the UN Committee against Torture's (CAT) constructive dialogue with state parties works in real life, it's pretty incredible to now be running from a meeting with NGOs that traveled far to Geneva to promote the prohibition of torture in their country to the actual live session of the UN Committee against Torture with the delegation of the country under review. It's a unique insight and an amazing privilege to be here!” – Kaja Bôrner, LL.M ‘24
Visit our website to learn more about the application process and be part of the Kovler Project Against Torture 2025!
October 3rd, 2024: Assistant Director of the Kovler Project, Marta Treviño-Leyva, attended the WCL International Law Students Association’s (ILSA) General Body Meeting, representing Professor Claudio Grossman and promoting the exciting opportunities offered by the Kovler Project.
The presentation showcased the Project’s purpose and scope, as well as important dates for applying. The KPAT provides a unique chance to take practical steps in ensuring that signatory parties of the Convention Against Torture uphold human rights obligations and put an end to torture and cruel treatment practices.
If you're interested, applications for the Fall 2025 Kovler Project will open in January 2025. Keep an eye on our website and Listserv communications for further announcements and info sessions, and visit the KPAT websitefor application details. Get ready for an incredible opportunity to make a real impact!
September 19th, 2024: Students in the Torture Prohibition in International Law class received a guest lecture from Professor Juan E. Méndez, WCL Professor of Human Rights Law and Faculty Director of the Anti-Torture Initiative. Professor Méndez shared his extensive profound insights from his experience as UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment from 2010 to 2016. Prof. Méndez described issues around conditions of detention and the efforts of international bodies to enshrine protections from poor treatment in detention settings. Our students engaged in critical discussion around the responsibilities of states to observe Convention provisions around detention, and the practicalities of investigating concerns around conditions in detention settings.
August 29th, 2024: Welcome to our new students for the Kovler Project Against Torture for Fall 2024! Today was the first day of classes for new students taking part in the Kovler Project Against Torture and the corresponding class on Torture Prohibition in International Law. More information on the participants can be found at the Current Students page.
In class, students work in groups to analyze state party submissions regarding their obligations under the Convention Against Torture. Students will produce a confidential Supplemental List of Issues for the UN Committee Against Torture on each state party submission. Kovler participants provide invaluable assistance to the Committee and help facilitate assessment and recommendations to each state party.
For this year, our student participants will consider the state party submissions of the following countries to the UN Committee Against Torture’s 81st Session: Cameroon, Jordan, Kuwait, Mongolia, Namibia and Thailand.
The Project offers students a unique and invaluable opportunity to engage directly with experts who have firsthand experience in human rights law and anti-torture work, preparing them for careers where their knowledge and skills can make a significant impact in the fight against torture worldwide.
February 28th, 2024: Applications for the Fall 2024 Kovler Project Against Torture closed. Shortlisted students will be contacted by email between the last week of March and the first weeks of April. The application process for Fall 2025 will open in January 2025. Thank you for expressing your interest in the Project!
February 13th, 2024: The Kovler Project team held an informational session with students interested in participating in the Project for Fall 2024. Professor and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman provided an interactive Q&A alongside Marta Treviño-Leyva, the program's Assistant Director, and alumni of the programme.
Kovler Project participants are a special group of alumni, students, faculty, and friends. They form a global network committed to strengthening human rights and ending torture worldwide, with experiences in the U.S. and abroad that cut across all sectors.
WCL is the only law school in the U.S. and perhaps the world that considers full implementation of the prohibition against torture and other ill-treatment an essential component of its mission. This reunion presents a unique occasion to address important topics including possibilities for the future and for strengthening this tremendous network.
November 6th – 10th, 2023: Kovler students traveled to Geneva, Switzerland to participate in the 78th session of the Committee against Torture.
The Kovler Project practicum, led by Professor and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman, includes intensive course work on international law and human rights - including a simulation exercise on the Committee‘s work.
Students monitored the implementation of the Convention Against Torture in the following countries: Egypt, Azerbaijan, Burundi, Costa Rica, Denmark and Slovenia. Students were able to collaborate with leading experts, members of the Committee, and representatives from international organizations. Through developing strategies for preventing and responding to incidents of torture from an international perspective, they enhanced their skills and knowledge necessary to become advocates for change.
"As a law student deeply interested in human rights and international law, this program provided me with invaluable insights and hands-on experience. From analyzing current country conditions and providing the Committee with support to effectively conduct its review to opportunities for collaboration and networking, this is a truly unique and worthwhile experience. It is much more than merely an academic program; it's an opportunity to become an effective advocate in the field of human rights.” - Natalie A. Landau, J.D. '24
“Participating in Kovler was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to intimately engage with a UN Treaty Body and learn about the role governments, international bodies, and civil society have to play in combatting torture.”– Michael Karam, J.D. ‘25
February 8th, 2022:Kovler students and alumni gathered in person and online for the Annual Kovler Project Against Torture Alumni Dinner. Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman spoke and led the group in community and networking.
Kovler Project participants are a special group of alumni, students, faculty, and friends. They form a global network committed to strengthening human rights and ending torture worldwide, with experiences in the U.S. and abroad that cut across all sectors.
WCL is the only law school in the U.S. and perhaps the world that considers full implementation of the prohibition against torture and other ill-treatment an essential component of its mission. This reunion presents a unique occasion to address important topics including possibilities for the future and for strengthening this tremendous network.
November 6-12, 2022: Kovler students traveled to Geneva, Switzerland to participate in the 75th session of the Committee against Torture (CAT). The Kovler Project practicum, led by Professor and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman, includes intensive course work on international law and human rights - including a simulation exercise on the CAT‘s work. Students observed the Committee’s proceedings, engaged in research and provided briefings on country conditions to rapporteurs. Additionally, students met with government and NGO representatives, international civil servants, and alums working in Geneva.
The Kovler Project Against Torture was established in 2004 by Professor of Law and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman (former member and chair of the UN Committee Against Torture). Kovler Student Scholars undertake a practice-oriented deep dive on the prohibition of torture in international law through the Project’s specialized practicum, simulation, and week at the UN Committee against Torture session in Geneva, Switzerland. Students provide the Committee chairperson and country rapporteurs with research on States' compliance with the UN Convention against Torture. Project participants observe the Committee’s proceedings, reflect on advocacy, strategies, and relevant developments, and provide briefings to Committee members. In anticipation of their week-long engagement with the Committee, students participate in an in-depth simulation of a Committee session, representing both NGOs and State parties, while being questioned by a panel comprised of current and past CAT members. Students conduct intensive research on the six countries appearing before the Committee in the November session, and work in teams to produce reports identifying compliance issues with the Convention.
The practicum is purpose-oriented, providing students with fundamental background information, supplemented by the students' own research regarding in-country conditions of the States they are assigned. The practicum's overarching goal is to prepare students to effectively advise the Committee on the compliance of countries. The practicum also prepares students to be effective lawyers in international settings. Students develop and apply numerous professional skills, e.g., advocacy and professionalism in multi-cultural contexts; processing faculty feedback with opportunities for guided reflection; legal analysis, reasoning, and research; professional and ethical responsibilities; handling and synthesizing voluminous materials, including confidential and sensitive information; team work and collaborative drafting.
Founded in 2004 as the UN CAT Project, the Project was endowed in December 2016, in recognition of the Blum-Kovler Foundation’s generous support since 2009. The Foundation’s support has enabled more students to intensively counter torture and promote human rights through legal education. Ms. Kelsey Lee Offield also provided much-appreciated support to the Project in 2016.
Peter Kovler, Chairman of the Board, Blum-Kovler Foundation
