A former longtime head of Human Rights Watch will join the faculty of the School of Public and International Affairs this fall.

Kenneth Roth, who led the international NGO from 1993 until last year, will serve as SPIA’s Charles and Marie Robertson Visiting Professor and Visiting Lecturer for the 2023-2024 academic year.

“Ken will bring his three decades of experience leading one of the world’s foremost human rights organizations to the Princeton University community, enriching our curriculum and offering a valuable perspective to our students” said SPIA Dean Amaney Jamal. “At a time when threats to democracy are increasing around the world, Ken’s expertise will deepen SPIA’s commitment to be in service to humanity.”

After earning his law degree, Roth began working as a litigator in private practice, then served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He joined HRW in 1987 as deputy director. During his time as executive director, the organization shared the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize as a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines.

“Ken has worked across the globe on some of the world’s most pressing issues,” Dr. Jamal said. “We are thrilled to have him join our faculty, further diversify our interdisciplinary approach to advancing public policy, and help continue our work to make a positive difference in the world.”

Roth holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Brown University and earned his JD from Yale Law School. He was a recipient of the Athens Democracy Award, the William Rogers Award from Brown University, and the Jean Mayer Global Citizenship Award from Tufts University.