Claudio Grossman is a Professor of Law at American University, Washington College of Law (WCL) and the Raymond Geraldson Scholar for International and Humanitarian Law. He served as Dean from 1995 to 2016, after which he returned to the faculty. He was appointed Dean Emeritus by American University's Board of Trustees in recognition of over two decades of dedication and distinction. During Professor Grossman's tenure as dean, WCL pursued numerous exciting initiatives further developing its intellectual creativity. WCL is consistently ranked within the top 10 schools for clinical legal education, intellectual property, international law & trial advocacy in addition to being one of the most diverse law schools in the country.
Professor Grossman was consistently recognized as one of the top 25 influential people in legal education, contributing to the rule of law and human rights in the U.S. and abroad. In 2016, he was elected to the UN International Law Commission for a five-year term and previously served as a member (2003-2015) and chair (2008-2015) of the UNCAT. In May 2010 he was appointed to the RFK Board of Directors. Since 2014, he serves as President of the Inter-American Institute for Human Rights since 2015 Professor Grossman's career also includes extensive litigation experience presenting or deciding landmark cases in the Inter-American system, including Aloeboetoe et al v. Suriname, Velázquez-Rodríguez v. Honduras, and Tingni v. Nicaragua, among others. He also recently served as Agent for Chile in Obligation to Negotiate (Bolivia v Chile) from 2016-2018 and as Co-Agent from 2013-2016 before the ICJ.
Professor Grossman is the author of numerous publications regarding international law, international organizations & human rights. For a complete listing, see below.
Founded in 1896 by two pioneering women, the college continues to build upon this tradition of inclusive excellence by offering an exemplary professional education featuring top programs in clinical legal education, international law, trial advocacy, intellectual property, law & government and many more. Professor Grossman became Dean in 1985 and Dean Emeritus in 2016.
The International Law Commission was created in 1947 by the UN General Assembly, which comprises a body of recognized experts in international law, that works on the progressive development and codification of international law.
The mission of the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative is to promote justice, economic opportunity and human dignity through the rule of law.
The Committee Against Torture (CAT) is the body of 10 independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention against Torture & Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment by its State parties. Professor Grossman was chair between 2008 - 2015 and vice chair between 2003 - 2008.
The Human Rights Treaty Bodies are committees of independent experts that monitor implementation of the core international human rights treaties. Each State party to a treaty has an obligation to take steps to ensure that everyone in the State can enjoy the rights set out in the treaty.
The Commission for the Control of INTERPOL's Files (known as the Commission, or the CCF) is an independent, impartial body, officially responsible for ensuring that the processing of personal data by the INTERPOL General Secretariat conforms to the applicable INTERPOL rules.
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, founded in 1968, is led by human rights activist and lawyer Kerry Kennedy and advocates for a more just and peaceful world. Working alongside local activists to ensure lasting positive change in governments and corporations, the RFK team includes leading attorneys, advocates, entrepreneurs and writers united by a commitment to social justice.
Professor Grossman has been involved in the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights since 1990. He currently serves as President after his reelection until 2022 and prior to this, held the roles of: President from 2014 - 2018; Board Member from 2011 - 2014; Member, General Assembly, from 1993 - 2014; Council member, from 1990- 2002.
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
President
1993 - 2001
Washington, DC, USA
Professor Grossman served as President of the IACHR in 2001 and also from 1996 - 1997; First Vice President from 2000 - 2001 ; Second Vice-President from 1999 - 2000; First Vice-President from 1995 - 1996; Special Rapporteur on Women's Rights from 1994 - 2000; Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Populations from 2000 - 2001.
