Honoring Sir Nigel Rodley with Lyn Rodley

Today’s episode is a very special tribute to the life and legacy of our dear friend, and a true leader in international law, the late Sir Nigel Rodley. It is our privilege to be joined by his wife, and our close friend, Lyn Rodley. Nigel’s remarkable journey began at New York University in the International Studies Department, where he studied alongside both of my parents. He went on to become a foundational figure at Amnesty International, leading the legal office for nearly two decades and shaping the organization’s campaign against torture during a pivotal era of human rights advocacy. A distinguished academic and professor, Nigel co-founded the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex, and devoted his life to teaching, mentoring, and supporting generations of students who would go on to play central roles in law, policy, and international institutions. In this conversation, Lyn reflects on Nigel’s profound impact on the world of human rights, and on the people whose lives he touched. She brings forward the personal stories, the humor, and the moral clarity that defined him, while offering a window into the person behind a lifetime of public work. For our family, this episode is a tribute to a beloved friend, a colleague, and a leader who helped shape the modern human rights movement. We miss him dearly, and hold deep gratitude for the legacy he left behind. Show Notes Recording Date This conversation was recorded in July 2024, which provides context for references to contemporary events, including the United States election and Brexit. Transcript Corrected transcript of conversation in PDF format. “Peace through Reason” “Peace through Reason” is the piece of advice Lyn offers at the end of the episode. It captures what she believes animated Nigel’s approach to law and diplomacy, and why his thoughtful, principled method proved effective in advancing human rights. Professor Tom Farer Tom Farer was a renowned international law and human rights scholar who served as Dean of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies and wrote widely on global justice and humanitarian intervention. He passed away in March 2025, and his loss is deeply felt across the human rights world. Professor Thomas M. Franck Thomas M. Franck was a leading scholar of international law at NYU, and author of influential works on global governance, and human rights. He advised governments during periods of constitutional change, and served as president of the American Society of International Law. Amnesty International Tribute to Sir Nigel Rodley Amnesty International published a tribute honoring Sir Nigel’s life, work, and global impact on human rights. You can read it here: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2017/01/nigel-rodley-1941-2017/