John Packer

John Packer is Professor of International Law and the Director of the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex, where he also serves as Senior Adviser for the global Initiative on Quiet Diplomacy. From 2000 to 2004 he was Director of the Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities where he previously served as Senior Legal Advisor (1995-2000).

From 1991 to 1995, Professor Packer was a Human Rights Officer at the United Nations, where he investigated serious violations of human rights in Iraq, Burma and Afghanistan, established the operational work of the first Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, and worked on disappearances and arbitrary detention in selected countries. He has also worked for the International Labour Organisation (1989-1991) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (1987-1989). He holds degrees in Law and Politics and has an extensive publication record focusing on inter-ethnic conflict, diversity management, protection of minorities, international organisation and conflict prevention/management/resolution.

Professor Packer has been engaged in numerous international and domestic negotiations on most continents, including bilateral and multilateral treaties, political accords and arrangements at national and local levels, institutional design and development, as well as training of relevant actors. He advises a number of organisations and governments.