Jon Yorke

Professor Jon Yorke is the Professor of Human Rights and Director of the Centre for Human Rights (CHR) at Birmingham City University. He holds an LL.B. (Hons) from BCU and an LL.M. and Ph.D. from Warwick University. His academic roles include teaching human rights modules on LL.B. and LL.M. programmes and supervising PhD students in collaboration with the AHRC’s Midlands4Cities Consortium.

His research focuses on international human rights law, particularly the theory of ‘utopia’ in international law and the UN’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR). He has advised the UN, EU, and governments of Gambia, Myanmar, Spain, and the UK. His work includes amicus curiae briefs in death penalty cases and FCDO-funded projects to protect human rights in Sudan.

Professor Yorke’s professional accolades include multiple teaching and research awards from BCU, and his UPR Project was shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award. He co-leads the BCU American Internship Programme, recognized in the Queen’s Anniversary Prize shortlist. His activities emphasize global collaboration and institutional impact.