Rick Lawson appointed new president of the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights
Appointment
Rick Lawson, Professor of European Law and former Dean of Leiden Law School, was appointed as the new president of the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights on 30 June.
‘I’m very much looking forward to working at the Institute', says Lawson: ‘It has such an important role to play in maintaining and strengthening our rule of law! Equal treatment, fundamental freedoms, human dignity and effective legal protection – these are the issues that matter now. But not everyone agrees with this and discussions on human rights can sometimes be heated. The challenge for the Institute is to play an authoritative role in these discussions. I’d very much like to be a part of that.'
Lawson will start his new position on 1 September 2025. He will, however, remain affiliated to Leiden Law School with a zero-hours appointment. It won’t be easy for him to leave the faculty. ‘I’ve always enjoyed working here, in various roles and with many different colleagues. I feel completely at home here. So, it will be very strange to close this chapter. But the move to the Institute will be an exciting challenge. It means a new role in a new environment. But the central theme – respect for human rights – remains the same and, fortunately, my connection with Leiden will remain too.’
On behalf of the faculty, Dean Suzan Stoter congratulates Professor Rick Lawson on his new position:
‘This is an important and prestigious appointment for Rick personally, and for our faculty too. Bringing his character, extensive experience and expertise, he can truly make a difference.
On behalf of all staff at the faculty, I sincerely thank Rick Lawson for his tremendous dedication and for all that he has done for the faculty and the university over so many years.
We will miss Rick. Fortunately, his departure is not a final farewell as he will remain affiliated to our faculty with a zero-hours appointment. We wish Rick every success and, above all, much enjoyment as he embarks on this important and exciting new role.’