The United Nations Human Rights Council has appointed Dr Ramona Biholar to the UN Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development. Dr. Biholar serves as Senior Lecturer and Deputy Dean (Graduate Studies and Research) in the Faculty of Law at The UWI Mona Campus.

“MonaLaw is proud that Dr Biholarhas been appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council to serve as a member of the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development,” stated Professor Shazeeda Ali, Dean, Faculty of Law. “We are confident that Dr Biholar will perform with distinction and make a valuable contribution to this international body. Her appointment is particularly timely in this era of significant global challenges,” the Dean added.

The United Nations Human Rights Council formalised this appointment during its 61st session on March 31, 2026, selecting Dr. Biholar to join the prestigious five-member subsidiary body. Dr. Biholar was appointed following a competitive selection process.

As a member of the Expert Mechanism, Dr Biholar will provide the Council with thematic expertise, identify best practices for Member States, and promote the implementation of the right to development worldwide. This body, established in 2019, reports annually to both the United Nations General Assembly and the Human Rights Council.

Dr Biholar brings deep academic and field experience to this international role. At the Mona Campus, she teaches International Human Rights Law at both undergraduate and graduate levels and has published extensively on the right to development. For more than a decade, she has dedicated her work to building the capacity of Caribbean governments and civil society organisations, specifically regarding state obligations and reporting mechanisms under United Nations human rights treaties.

Reflecting on the appointment, Dr Biholar stated, “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council to the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development. I look forward to serving in this important capacity and contributing to the Mechanism’s vital work in clarifying the scope and content of the right to development, strengthening global standards, and advancing its realisation worldwide.”

The UWI, Mona congratulates Dr Biholar on this distinguished appointment and celebrates her significant contribution to international human rights.