Dear Claudio,
We met for the first time in the Netherlands more than 30 years ago, while we were both living in exile.
I remember your realistic approach to political issues in our country and your very early decision to fight against the violations of human rights using all legal means and instruments. It is very clear that your vocation became an essential part of your adult life.
You belong to the select group of distinguished Chilean citizens that have honored the name of Chile abroad, with their remarkable work and important accomplishments.
You are a prominent Chilean jurist and an international figure with an outstanding career and extensive experience in international law, human rights, international organizations and legal academia.
You are a highly regarded scholar, having taught at several universities, such as Universidad de Chile and University of Utrecht.
Currently, you are Professor of Law and Dean of American University Washington College of Law (WCL) –appointed since 1995- and the Raymond Geraldson Scholar for International and Humanitarian Law.
Throughout your career you have been the author of numerous publications on international law, comparative law and humanitarian affairs, receiving several awards for your work on these fields.
You also have been part of different international organizations:
Member of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) from 1993-2001. You were twice elected its President, first in 1996 and again in 2001.
In this Commission you were the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women (1996-2000), Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Populations (2000-2001), and Observer of the AMIA Trial (2001-2005);
Member of the Commission for the Control of Interpol's Files -since February 2005- as well as Chair of the Committee on International Cooperation of the Association of American Law Schools.
Since 2003, you have been member and Vice Chair of the United Nations Committee Against Torture (CAT), representing Chile in the promotion and protection of human rights.
In April 2008, you had the honor to be elected as Chair of this Committee by unanimity of their members.
Dear Claudio,
In the presence of these distinguished guests, your wife and your friends, please accept –on behalf of the Government of Chile- this tribute to your work and commitment with international law and defense of human rights as well as my warm, deepest and most sincere congratulations for your election as Chairman of the United Nations Committee Against Torture.
Your country is very proud for your professional life and your dedicated involvement in the protection and promotion of human rights around the world.
Washington DC. July 2nd, 2008