Kovler Project Against Torture

Kovler Project Against Torture

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:

  • Monitoring the implementation of the Convention in the relevant countries.
  • Assisting in the review of the measures taken by States since their previous or initial report.
  • Identifying problems and shortcomings in the States' practices. 
  • Assessing future needs and goals for better implementation of the Convention. 
  • Drafting questions for the countries' annual reports at the Committee Against Torture.
  • Participating in a simulation exercise with former members of the Commission.
  • Travel to Geneva to witness Committee sessions and meet with members of the Committee and other relevant actors. (e.g. academics, other UN Members, WCL alumni, etc.)

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.

Legal Education in Action

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. 

Our History & Supporters

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.

"The use of torture cannot be ignored. It is quite important that a new generation not tolerate torture. I am so proud to be associated with the work of the law school’s Kovler Project Against Torture."

Peter Kovler, Chairman of the Board, Blum-Kovler Foundation