A human rights lawyer, academic, and international administrator who serves as the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, a six-year term he began in April 2024.
In his executive role, he promotes awareness and fosters the effective observance of human rights across the Council of Europe's 46 member states. His previous leadership positions in international human rights governance include serving as Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2015–2023), member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee (2004–2012), and Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (2011–2013). Earlier in his international service, he held multiple posts within the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, where he established human rights operations in conflict-affected areas including Sierra Leone and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In academia, he has held professorships in human rights and directed human rights centers at the University of Nottingham and the University of Galway. He serves as an Adjunct (Honorary) Full Professor at Maynooth University and University College Dublin, and has authored numerous publications in international human rights law.