Its task is to investigate whether Leiden University is collaborating with organisations, institutions or groups that directly or indirectly violate human rights, support war or violate other important international norms. If such cases are identified, the committee will advise on the implications for these partnerships. The Executive Board will use this advice to decide whether or not to continue the collaboration.

The Committee may base its advice on documentation, expert consultations and input from university staff involved in the relevant collaborations. 

First assignment: Collaboration with Israeli partners

The committee’s first assignment was to investigate our current institutional collaborations (research and student exchange) with Israeli partners. Mid-July 2025, the committee issued advice to suspend the student exchange agreements with Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University. 
 
During the investigation into the existing institutional collaborations, Leiden University did not initiate new institutional collaborations with institutional partners in Israel. Existing collaborations were prioritised in the investigation.

Research collaborations

Since the autumn of 2025, the committee has been investigating a series of institutional research collaborations with Israeli partners. The advice on this is expected in March 2026. The Executive Board will make a decision based on the advice.

Members of the Committee on Human Rights / Conflict Zones

The committee on Human Rights / Conflict Zones is chaired by Professor Joanne van der Leun, Academic Lead for International Affairs and Professor of Criminology, and has the following permanent members:

• Dorota Mokrosinska, Professor of Practical Philosophy
• Dirk Engberts, Emeritus Professor of Normative Aspects of Medicine
• Robert Heinsch, Associate Professor of International Law

Robert Heinsch joined the committee on 1 September 2025. He succeeded Professor of European Law Rick Lawson, who became chairman of the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights on that date.

For its first assignment, the committee was expanded to include regional expert Professor Petra Sijpesteijn, Professor of Arabic. The committee will be supported by staff from Administration and Central Services.