Public International Law & Human Rights
Academic, researcher, and practitioner at the intersection of international humanitarian law, human rights, counterterrorism, and the procedures and practice of the United Nations. Professor of law at the National Law School of India University, Bangalore. Formerly Clinical Supervising Attorney, Human Rights Clinic, UC Berkeley School of Law, and Fellow, Program on International Law & Armed Conflict, Harvard Law School.
Radhika Kapoor is a scholar and practitioner of public international law.
She has advised States, opposition groups, and civil society actors on peace negotiations and accountability mechanisms; evaluated international proceedings concerning Myanmar, Azerbaijan, Syria, and beyond; and worked in close partnership with grassroots advocates and human rights organizations across the world to:
Radhika has extensive expertise in the procedures and practice of the United Nations, built through years of sustained research and advocacy across its principal bodies and mechanisms. She has authored an authoritative legal guide for States on applying humanitarian exemptions to sanctions regimes; published on the transparency and equity deficits of the Security Council's sanctions committees; reviewed and analysed over 325 Security Council decisions on the protection of the natural environment; and drafted thematic reports and communications on emerging human rights issues in partnership with UN Special Procedures.
She is an honors graduate of the National Law School of India University (B.A.–LL.B.) and Harvard Law School (LL.M.).
The legal regulation of armed conflict, including detection and documentation of war crimes, the protection of civilians, and the provision of humanitarian assistance in conflict zones.
Advocacy within the United Nations human rights system, particularly UN Special Procedures; drafting UN communications to States; drafting and researching thematic human rights reports; analysis and legal interpretation of Security Council decisions, particularly Security Council sanctions.
The intersection of counterterrorism measures and human rights protections, including the impact of counterterrorism frameworks on humanitarian action and civilian populations.
Understanding the legal and philosophical frameworks used by societies to transition from conflict to peace — accountability mechanisms, truth commissions, institutional reform, and reparations measures.
Research and policy analysis regarding international and non-international armed conflict, with a focus on the legal limits of permissible self-defense under the jus ad bellum.
Collaborative advocacy with UN human rights experts, grassroots NGOs, and civil society coalitions to further the struggle for freedom and justice.
Radhika publishes in leading international law journals and publications.
Drawing on nearly a decade of experience advising governments, international organizations, NGOs, and civil society actors, Radhika offers expert consultancy services on a range of public international law and human rights-related matters.
Get in TouchIn-depth research on public international law matters for UN agencies, governments, NGOs, and academic institutions.
Expert briefings for States and civil society on the procedures and practice of the United Nations, the interpretation of Security Council resolutions, sanctions regimes, and humanitarian exemptions.
Guidance on post-conflict institution building and pursuing accountability for newly transitioning societies.
Keynotes, panel participation, and academic lectures on public international law, human rights, and humanitarian action.
Whether you are seeking expert legal analysis, a collaborator on research, or a speaker for your institution, Radhika welcomes inquiries from governments, international organizations, NGOs, and academic partners.