It was with very great 
sadness that we heard of the death, earlier today, of Professor Sir Nigel Rodley. Nigel was a great friend to René Cassin as an organisation, giving freely of his enormous experience and wisdom as a member of our Advisory Council.
Amongst highlights in a long lifetime as a human rights advocate were his membership of the United Nations Human Rights Committee and his Presidency of the International Commission of Jurists. The enduring value of his work was recognised in 1999 when he was knighted ‘for services to human rights and international law’.
Danny Silverstone, Chair of René Cassin’s Trustee Board, said today:
“This is indeed very sad news. Nigel was a towering figure within the international human rights world. He was also an extraordinarily nice man.”
René Cassin Trustee, Alex Goldberg adds:
“I have spent the last year working with Sir Nigel Rodley on a book about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In that short time I found myself in the presence of real gentleman and a giant in terms of his understanding of human rights.
He has left a huge impression on me and I shall miss him, as will the millions of those who depended on his good offices. His life was one in the service of humanity and the world is a lesser place without him in it.”
Read more about Nigel’s life and work:
- In the Guardian obituary (2 February 2017)
- On the University of Essex website
- On Doughty Street Chambers website
- On Wikipedia
