Towards Transparency, Accountability & Justice: The Role of the UN's Victims' Rights Advocate

Since the beginning of his tenure as UN Secretary-General in 2017, António Guterres has pledged to put the rights and dignity of victims at the forefront of the UN’s efforts to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse. In line with a new strategy that was rooted in transparency, accountability and justice, Ms. Jane Connors was appointed as the UN’s first Victims’ Rights Advocate (VRA). 

In conversation with Professor Daniel Naujoks, director a.i. of SIPA’s UN studies specialization, Ms. Connors will provide insights into the role of the VRA, her mandate, and her plans for the future. This includes how the VRA supports the integrated, strategic response to victim assistance in coordination with UN actors responsible for assisting victims across the entire UN system. Ms. Connors will share how her office works with government institutions, civil society, and national and legal and human rights organizations to build networks of support and to help ensure that the full effect of local laws, including remedies for victims, are brought to bear.

Ms. Connors is scheduled to attend in person. Columbia students, staff, and faculty can opt to join the in-person event or to join virtually. Due to the pandemic, other guests only have the option to join online. Please see the separate registration options.

Speaker bio
Ms. Jane Connors is the United Nations Victims’ Rights Advocate on sexual exploitation and abuse. Previously, she served as the Director of International Advocacy for Amnesty International. From 1996 to 2015 she held various positions at the United Nations, including at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Before joining the UN, she held academic posts in the United Kingdom and Australia, including 14 years at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. Ms. Connors has published widely on UN human rights mechanisms, the human rights of women and children, in particular, gender-based violence.

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Co-hosted with: United Nations Association, MPA in Development Practice, Economic and Political Development Concentration, International Conflict Resolution Specialization, International Organization/UN Studies Specialization (OWNER)

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