How to Apply

The Kovler Project Against Torture has closed applications for the Fall 2024 opportunity. Applications for Fall 2025 will open in January 2025.

The Project is an experiential learning opportunity, where students provide strategic advice to the United Nations Committee Against Torture (UN CAT) on whether countries are in compliance with obligations set out by the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Students develop their insights and knowledge through the expert teaching of Professor and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman, former Chair of the UN CAT until 2016, and Assistant Director to the Project, Marta Treviño-Leyva. During their time in Geneva, Switzerland, students will directly interact with the Chairperson of the UN CAT and country rapporteurs as part of their work to evaluate compliance by member States with Convention obligations.

The practicums’ overarching educational goal is to prepare students to effectively advise the Committee on the human rights records and compliance of countries that will be appearing before the Committee. To this end, students will prepare questions to be presented to the States Parties on potential areas of non-compliance with the CAT, ultimately helping to inform and shape the Committee’s Concluding Observations and Recommendations. This educational process is evaluated throughout the semester in D.C., and in Geneva where students will work as special assistants to the Committee Chairperson during the first week of CAT sessions.

Applicants should send a CV, unofficial transcript, and cover letter addressing their motivation for applying to the Kovler Project Against Torture. Cover letters may also address any past human rights advocacy experience, language skills, and a brief description of other significant time commitments during the Fall semester, such as journal, internships, or other extracurricular commitments. There is no formal prohibition on participating in both the WCL Clinical Program and the Kovler Project. Please direct any inquiries to the respective program contacts.

Applications should be addressed to Professor and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman (grossman@wcl.american.edu) and Assistant Director of the Kovler Project Against Torture Marta Treviño-Leyva (mtleyva@wcl.american.edu) with “KPAT Application” in the subject line by 11:59pm on February 28^th of the Spring semester. Please refer to our website for additional information about the program and how to apply: https://www.wcl.american.edu/impact/initiatives-programs/center/educationandtraining/specialized-curricula/kovler-project-against-torture/how-to-apply/

An information session with previous Kovler participants took place on Wednesday, February 8^th 2024. Click here to view the session.