Rafael Valim
Brazil’s candidate to the
UN Human Rights Committee
THE CANDIDATE
Rafael Valim is a Brazilian jurist with a solid trajectory in the fi eld of Public Law and human rights, whose work is marked by a strong commitment to the rule of law, the integrity of institutions, and the promotion of democratic values in both national and international contexts. His experience combines legal practice, theoretical refl ection, and institutional engagement, consistently guided by technical rigor, intellectual independence, and close attention to contemporary transformations in the global legal order.
In practical terms, he stands out as a lawyer involved in highly complex cases before the Brazilian Supreme Court and in international human rights protection bodies, both within the Inter-American and European systems. From an academic perspective, he has a robust educational background and signifi cant international presence. He holds a PhD and a Master’s degree in Law from the Pontifi cal Catholic University of São Paulo and has taught at several higher education institutions across Latin America and Europe. His teaching has focused on Public International Law, Constitutional Law, and Administrative Law, integrating teaching, research, and comparative analysis.
In the editorial fi eld, he plays a prominent role in the dissemination of critical thought. As editor-in-chief of Editora Contracorrente, he has overseen the publication of more than 250 works in the areas of law, politics, and economics, contributing to the circulation of critical ideas and to the strengthening of qualifi ed public debate in Brazil. The books he has authored have become references in legal and political discussions in Latin America, particularly Lawfare: Waging War Through Law (Routledge, 2021, co-authored with Cristiano Zanin and Valeska Teixeira Zanin Martins) and État d’exception: la forme juridique du néolibéralisme (L’Harmattan, 2019).
His institutional engagement includes participation in councils and organizations dedicated to the promotion of justice and human rights, both nationally and internationally, as well as collaboration with foreign academic institutions. With profi ciency in foreign languages and experience in multilateral environments, he carries out activities that integrate research, legal practice, and international cooperation.
THE BODY
► The Human Rights Committee is the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) by its States parties.
► The Committee is composed of 18 independent experts of high moral character and recognized competence in the fi eld of human rights. While the membership is diverse, particular emphasis is placed on the participation of individuals with specialized legal experience.
► The Committee’s work promotes the enjoyment of civil and political rights, resulting in improvements of law, policy and practice worldwide. As such, it has advanced the lives of individuals in all parts of the world. It continues to strive to ensure that all civil and political rights guaranteed by the Covenant can be enjoyed in full and without discrimination, by every individual.
► Members are elected for a term of four years by States Parties from among their nationals, with due consideration being given to equitable geographical distribution, relevant legal experience and balanced gender representation. Members serve in their personal capacity and may be re-elected if re-nominated.
► The upcoming elections to replace 9 members of the Committee whose terms expire on 31 December 2026 will be held at a States Parties meeting scheduled to take place in New York Headquarters on 15 June 2026 at 10:00 am.