We remember Nigel Rodley – one year on

Today we mark the first anniversary of the death of Professor Sir Nigel Rodley, one of the founding fathers of our Human Rights Centre, a key figure in our School of Law, and a friend, colleague, adviser and inspiration to many in our community.

Tributes last year came from all over the world: from former colleagues at Amnesty International; those who knew Sir Nigel through his work at the UN and International Commission of Jurists; a former UN Special Rapporteur on Torture; staff and alumni; and even a former US President.

Marking the anniversary today, Professor Lorna McGregor, Director of the Human Rights Centre, has written about Sir Nigel’s enduring legacy noting that he had a “deep impact on many, both professionally and personally.”

Professor McGregor adds that “Nigel’s actions were always deliberate and reflected his true passion for the advancement of human rights, as well as his sheer intellect.”

In a world today where human rights defenders face challenges even from western political leaders, Professor McGregor takes inspiration from Sir Nigel: “It is important to recall Nigel’s sense of optimism and the need to move forward in a spirit of hope, determined to give effect to the promise of human rights.”

Sir Nigel continues to be remembered around the world. Two conferences have been held in his honour, one here at Essex and another at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, and project to produce a documentary about his life’s work is taking shape.