About The Center
The Handa Center equips a new generation of leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect and promote human rights and dignity for all. Reflecting a deep commitment to international justice and the rule of law, the Center collaborates with partners across Stanford University and beyond on innovative programs that foster critical inquiry in the classroom and in the world.
Since its founding nearly two decades ago, the Center has pursued its mission through a range of international programs including justice sector capacity-building initiatives, civil society outreach efforts, trial monitoring, expert consultancies, and archival resource development, with a focus on transitional justice initiatives and new technologies.
In 2014, Director David Cohen moved the Center from UC Berkeley to Stanford University with the generous support of Dr. Haruhisa Handa. The move enabled the Center to sustain its established international programs while expanding the scope of opportunities for meaningful student engagement by integrating classroom curricula with faculty research, student internships, and community-engaged learning opportunities.
