November 14th, 2025: Our 2025 Kovler cohort has arrived in Geneva and has jumped straight into an exciting week!
This past week, Kovler scholars participated in the 83rd session of the United Nations Committee Against Torture (UNCAT). During this time, they met with Committee members, discussed their research, and attended the dialogues with the State party delegations. Their semester-long projects have culminated in presentations in Geneva.
This week, students have been able to meet with Ms. Julia Kozma, Member of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (“SPT”) and Mr. Joao Nataf, Secretary of the SPT. 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.
Further, the students were able to attend the ongoing 50th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (“UPR”). The UPR is a relevant mechanism that calls for each UN Member State to be peer reviewed on its human rights records every few years, and our Kovler Cohort has been able to view the session of the UPR reviewing the Marshall Islands. This opportunity has provided another way for students to learn about the UN mechanisms that host reviews of member states in Geneva.
KPAT's programming at Geneva also allows students to meet with other professionals who work on issues of anti-torture, human rights, and humanitarian law. Students have been able to professionally network with members of the Association for the Prevention of Torture, the World Organisation Against Torture, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
As Lauren Thompson, Kovler Scholar 2025 noted, “The experiential trip with the Kovler Project has already been extraordinary! We have had the privilege of learning directly from distinguished professionals about a wide range of international human rights mechanisms whose work often supports the Committee against Torture, including the [UPR], the [SPT], the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the (ICJ). Each engagement has provided invaluable insight into how the protection and promotion of human rights are realized in practice, offering a unique opportunity to connect theory with real-world implementation.” – Lauren Thompson JD ’26.
The project and on-site interaction with global professionals in Geneva allow Kovler scholars to learn about UN mechanisms, professional legal work in global human rights, and the challenges facing the enforcement of human rights, anti-torture, and humanitarian law abroad.
Saya Khandhar, Kovler 2025 scholar said about the program, “Studying the Convention Against Torture and conducting country research was a valuable learning experience, but I never could have imagined how incredible it would be to see our work translated into practice! Hearing first-hand from Committee members, Subcommittee members, and reporting NGOs who are directly involved in the processes we have been learning about and discussing all semester has been absolutely awe inspiring.” – Saya Khandhar JD ’27.
This year’s Kovler Scholars will carry home more than just knowledge. They return with first-hand insight into how international law operates in practice. Their participation in UN and UNCAT sessions, meetings with experts, and exposure to global advocacy deepen their understanding of the complexity of human rights work. This immersive experience continues the Kovler Project’s long-standing mission: to bridge academic study with real-world engagement, preparing the next generation of advocates to defend human rights with skill, integrity, and purpose.
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this incredible experience. Applications open every January! Learn how to apply here and join the Kovler Cohort for 2026!