American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) has made history once again. Professor Carlos Ayala, a renowned human rights expert and current AUWCL adjunct professor, has been elected to lead the prestigious International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).

Ayala is currently a vice president at the ICJ and will succeed fellow AUWCL Professor Robert Goldman as the head of the world-renowned human rights organization. 

This unprecedented run of AUWCL faculty as the leader of the prestigious NGO highlights the dedication and commitment of AUWCL faculty to fighting for human rights and equality for all.

The Commissioners of the ICJ are 60 eminent judges, lawyers and legal academics – from all parts of the world and all legal systems – with unparalleled knowledge of the law and human rights who support the ICJ’s legal teams. Selected by their peers for their experience, knowledge, and strong commitment to human rights, Commissioners reflect the diversity of the world and its many legal systems.

Ayala was a member of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (I-ACHR), serving as Chairman between 1996 and 1999 and was also Rapporteur for Indigenous Peoples’ Rights of the I-ACHR. He also served as President of the Venezuelan Association of Constitutional Law at that time and, since 1998, has been President Honoris Causa. He was a member of the Andean Commission of Jurists from 1992 to 2009, serving as President in 2003 to 2009. 

Ayala has been a professor at a number of universities, including Universidad Católica “Andrés Bello” (UCAB) and Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) in Caracas, Georgetown University and American University in the USA and the University of Oxford in the UK. He is currently a partner in the Caracas law firm Ayala, Dillon, Fernández & Linares (Consultores Jurídicos). Since 1998, Ayala has been a member of the Board of the Ibero-American Institute of Constitutional Law and chairman of the Venezuela Chapter. He has been a member of the International Human Rights Institute IBA in London since 2009.

As Ayala assumes his new role, AUWCL reaffirms its commitment to fostering a community of dedicated advocates for justice and equality. Join us in congratulating Professor Ayala and supporting the ICJ's mission to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights worldwide.