Michael O'Flaherty Email & Phone Number

With 30 years of experience in leading human rights organizations and initiatives, I have a proven track record of advancing fundamental rights in Europe and beyond. As the Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, I oversaw the agency's strategic vision, management, and operations, and ensured its relevance and impact on the EU's policies and practices. I also fostered strong partnerships with various stakeholders, including EU institutions, member states, civil society, academia, and international organizations, to promote human rights awareness, cooperation, and dialogue. Previously, I was a professor of human rights law and director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland, Galway, where I taught and researched on various aspects of human rights law and policy, and contributed to the development of human rights education and capacity building. For 8 years I was an elected member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee. I also served as the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, where I led the commission's efforts to protect and promote human rights in Northern Ireland. Earlier I led United Nations human rights field operations in such conflict-affected countries as Bosnia Herzegovina and Sierra Leone. My core competencies include human rights national and international policy making, human rights capacity building, organizational leadership, and stakeholder engagement. I am passionate about advancing the values and principles of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and I seek to leverage my expertise and experience to make a positive difference in the world.

Listed skills include Diplomacy, International Relations, Research, Civil Society, and 19 others.