The Human Rights Implementation Centre bids Professor Rachel Murray farewell

After 22 years, the University of Bristol has (tearfully) bid Professor Rachel Murray farewell. Professor Murray is leaving Bristol to take up a fantastic position as the Director of the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights at the University of Oxford.

Rachel has built a remarkable career as a dedicated legal practitioner and researcher. She was the co-founder and Director of the University of Bristol Human Rights Implementation Centre. Her essential research has driven work on the African human rights system, ensuring human rights decisions are upheld, monitoring detention facilities, and working to prevent torture. She has made meaningful contributions across all these fields and is deeply committed to making a real-world impact through human rights law. Her dedication shines through in her role as the founder and leader of the Bristol University Human Rights Law Clinic, along with her extensive work with governments, NHRIs, and international organisations engaging in human rights efforts.

Whilst at Bristol, Rachel’s efforts in preventing torture have encompassed collaboration with independent entities that inspect detention facilities, including national preventive mechanisms. She contributed to the development of a governance framework and strategic plan for the South African Human Rights Commission in partnership with the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF). Additionally, she analysed the implementation of the recommendations by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture concerning Scotland, and designed options for Ireland regarding the ratification of OPCAT. She provided counsel to the UK National Preventive Mechanism and various international organisations. Rachel has presented cases to the United Nations special procedures, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, and submitted amicus briefs to the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. She regularly interacts with the UN and regional human rights organisations, and has led training sessions for judicial members in Central and Eastern Europe.

Rachel will be very much missed at the University of Bristol, but we wish her all the best in her new adventure, and we look forward to future collaborations. Dr Kathryn Allinson, Dr Giacomo Biggio and Ms Anamaria Santos Fonseca will be taking up Rachel’s mantle as Directors leading the Human Rights Implementation Centre. We hope to do her legacy proud!