Juan E. Méndez Closed Now

Juan E. Méndez is a distinguished human rights lawyer, transitional justice advocate, and global leader in the struggle against impunity. Born in Argentina, Méndez began his career as a defense lawyer representing political prisoners during the military dictatorship of the 1970s. His activism led to his own imprisonment and torture, which shaped his lifelong dedication to justice, accountability, and the protection of human dignity.

After his release and exile, Méndez became a prominent figure in international human rights. He served as Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide (2004–2007) and later as the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (2010–2016). In these roles, he championed the rights of victims and worked tirelessly to ensure accountability for perpetrators of mass atrocities and state violence.

Méndez also played a pivotal role in transitional justice efforts worldwide. He served as President of the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) from 2004 to 2009, guiding initiatives in truth-seeking, reparations, institutional reform, and criminal justice in countries emerging from conflict or authoritarian rule. His leadership helped establish ICTJ as the leading global organization in the field.

In addition to his international roles, Méndez has been a respected academic. He is a Professor of Human Rights Law at American University Washington College of Law, where he has trained generations of lawyers and advocates in human rights and transitional justice.

Méndez has authored and co-authored numerous publications on transitional justice, accountability, and the fight against torture, with his writings widely cited by scholars and practitioners alike. His personal story of survival and resilience adds powerful moral weight to his work, embodying the principles he advocates on the world stage.

His career illustrates the link between lived experience and global advocacy, making him one of the most influential voices in transitional justice and human rights of the past half-century.