Kasey McCall-Smith

Dr. Kasey McCall-Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Public International Law and Director of Postgraduate Research at the University of Edinburgh's School of Law. She also serves as Director of the Global Justice Academy and holds visiting professor roles at the University of Arkansas and KU Leuven. Her academic qualifications include a BA, JD, LLM, and PhD from the University of Edinburgh and University of Arkansas.

Her research focuses on treaty law, human rights implementation, children's rights, and the prohibition of torture. Key projects include incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law, analyzing Guantanamo military commissions, and addressing solitary confinement of children. She has led funded projects such as 'Reinforcing the Torture Prohibition' and collaborations with civil society organizations like Amnesty International.

Dr. McCall-Smith’s work bridges academia and practice, advising on human rights due diligence, supply chain governance, and federal challenges to disability rights. She has authored over 70 publications, including books on human rights and international law, and served as Executive Chair of the Association of Human Rights Institutes (2017–2023).

• Education:
  • BA in Architectural Studies, University of Arkansas (1998)
  • Juris Doctor (JD), University of Arkansas (2001)
  • LLM in Public International Law, University of Edinburgh (2002)
  • PhD in Reservations to Human Rights Treaties, University of Edinburgh (2012)

Her research highlights include evaluating the legal framework of Guantanamo trials, advocating for children’s participation in UNCRC implementation, and addressing asymmetrical challenges in CRPD adoption across the UK’s devolved nations. She frequently engages in public lectures, media commentary, and policy advocacy.