Dr. Beth Van Schaack returns to Stanford following three years of service as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice

The Center for Human Rights and International Justice is honored to welcome back Dr. Beth Van Schaack to Stanford as a Distinguished Fellow. Van Schaack recently stepped down from her post as the United States’ sixth Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice (GCJ), after three years of service as part of the Biden-Harris Administration. 

“In welcoming our distinguished colleague back to Stanford, I  am particularly pleased for the unique opportunity Beth’s presence will provide for our students,” said Center Faculty Co-Director David Cohen. “As she has done in the past, she will again inspire students pursuing  human rights careers by the example of her extraordinary achievements and career in academia, government, and public service.”

During her time in office, Van Schaack and her team at GCJ achieved a number of positive policy outcomes, including creating multiple pathways to justice for the Ukrainian people; supporting survivor-centered approaches to transitional justice and accountability across Africa, Asia, and Latin America; and pushing forward the responsible use of emerging technologies in promoting accountability. 

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve my country as Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice,” said Van Schaack. “I am now looking forward to re-engaging with the broader Stanford community to advance global justice and support survivors of atrocities, especially our amazing students who will ensure these issues remain at the forefront of public consciousness during these challenging times.”

Van Schaack is no stranger to Stanford. In addition to her affiliation the the Center, she completed her undergraduate degree in human biology at the Farm, and later was a Visiting Scholar at the Center for International Security & Cooperation before joining Stanford Law School as the Leah Kaplan Visiting Professor in Human Rights for many years, teaching in the areas of international human rights, international criminal law, and atrocities prevention.  She also directed the Law School’s Human Rights & Conflict Resolution Clinic.

“We feel incredibly lucky and proud that Beth is rejoining us at the Center for Human Rights and International Justice following her time in public service,” said Jessie Brunner, Center associate director for strategy and program development. “From her impressive scholarship to capstone advising and student mentorship, Beth contributes so much to our human rights community on campus.”