User:Johnatcam/sandbox

John Barker (born 5 April 1951) is a Canadian-British legal scholar, former judicial officer, and barrister specialising in international law, governance, and justice sector reform. He is known for his work in transitional justice and the promotion of good governance and rule of law in international development.

Early life and education

Barker was born in Yukon Territory, Canada. He holds dual Canadian and British nationality.

Education

• 1975: B.A. in History and Philosophy, University of Toronto
• 1978: LL.B., McGill University, Montréal
• 1980: Bar Admission, Law Society of Upper Canada, Toronto
• 1985: LL.M. in Public International Law, University of Cambridge (Downing College)
• 1991: General Course, Public International Law, Hague Academy of International Law
• 1998: Ph.D., University of Cambridge (Corpus Christi College). Thesis: "The Valuation of Income-Producing Property in International Law"

Career

Academic positions

• 1998–present: Fellow, Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, University of Cambridge
• 1997–present: Life Fellow, Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge
• 2013: Vice-President, Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge
• 1982–1984: Lecturer in Law, University of Malawi

Legal and advisory roles

• 2015–present: Director, Cambridge Governance Labs
• 2004–2013: Chairman, Foreign Compensation Commission, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London
• 1986–1991: Legal Officer, Foreign Compensation Commission, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London
• 2011–2016: Member of the Strategic Advisory Panel to the UK Chief of Defence Staff
• 2004–2017: Member of UK Stabilisation Unit Roster of Justice Sector Experts, London

International development work

Barker has extensive experience working with international organisations and governments, particularly in Africa, on issues of governance, rule of law, and justice sector reform. His work includes:

• Legal Adviser to the European Union / Government of Malawi Rule of Law Programme (1997–2004)
• Consultant for various projects with UNDP, OHCHR, EU, CIDA, and DFID
• Adviser to the Amnesty Committee in Nigeria (2012)
• Legal Consultant for the European Union in The Gambia (2010)

Research and expertise

Barker's research focuses on:

• Transitional justice
• Good governance and rule of law in international development
• State responsibility and international claims
• Justice sector reform, particularly in Africa

He has authored numerous papers and presentations on these topics and has been involved in organising conferences and symposia related to his areas of expertise.

Selected publications and presentations

• "Reflections on the Rule of Law: Its Scope and Significance for Partners in Development", in International Rule of Law and Professional Ethics, ed. V. Popovski, Ashgate (2014)
• "Compensation", in The Law of State Responsibility, eds James Crawford, Alain Pellet and Simon Olleson, Oxford University Press (2010)
• "The International Rule of Law from a North-South Perspective", Centre for International Governance Innovation, Waterloo, Canada (2009)
• "Reflections on Good Governance and the Role of the International Community", keynote address to the Pan African Lawyers' Union Conference, Abuja, Nigeria (2005)

Personal life

Barker was married to Dr Saskia Murk Jansen (1957-2024) and has two children, Catherine and John Matthew. His interests include emerging technology, astronomy, wilderness sports, and music.