Dr Vassilis Tzevelekos, Reader in Law at our School of Law and Social Justice, has been appointed as a member of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT).
This prestigious appointment is a testament to Dr Tzevelekos’ extensive knowledge and commitment to advancing human rights and preventing instances of torture and degrading treatment.
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, established under the Council of Europe, (Europe’s leading organisation on human rights, democracy and the rule of law) plays a crucial role in safeguarding human dignity and preventing the ill-treatment of individuals deprived of their liberty. The committee conducts regular visit to places of detention across member states, assessing conditions and making recommendations to ensure compliance with international human rights standards.
Dr Tzevelekos brings a wealth of expertise to the committee, having dedicated 20 years to researching and advocating for human rights and their protection at the international level. Dr Tzevelekos qualified with the Athens Bar, a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council Advisory Committee and is Co-Editor-in-Chief of The European Convention on Human Rights Law Review.
He said: “It is an honour to serve on the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture. I am committed to contributing my knowledge and skills to promote the principles of human rights and work towards the prevention of ill treatment suffered by vulnerable members of society.”
His appointment, a four-year term which will commence on 20th December, is expected to strengthen the committee’s capabilities in addressing emerging challenges and promoting innovative approaches to preventing torture and upholding human rights.
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture is composed of independent experts with diverse backgrounds, including law, medicine, and other relevant fields. Dr Tzevelekos’ appointment adds another layer of multidisciplinary insight to the committee’s efforts.
Professor Valsamis Mitsilegas, Dean of the School of Law and Social Justice, said: “We are really pleased that Vassilis’ longstanding expertise in human rights has been recognised with his appointment to the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture.
As a member of the committee, Dr Tzevelekos will join forces with other experts to conduct visits to places of detention, and engage with authorities, to ensure that the rights of individuals in detention are upheld and respected. It is an honour to have an academic from the School of Law and Social Justice playing such an active role in improving human rights and we wish Vassilis well in his new role.”
You can read more about the work of the Committee here.