The United Nations expert on combating torture - Juan Mendez - will launch his new book on human rights at a special event at the east London headquarters of Amnesty International UK on Monday 14 November.

Mr Mendez, who is the UN’s Special Rapporteur on Torture, will be in conversation with Philippe Sands, professor of law at University College London at a public event.

Juan Mendez, 66, an Argentinian national and former Amnesty “prisoner of conscience” who himself suffered torture during the country’s “dirty war” military, is expected to comment on the significance of the forthcoming inquiry into allegations of the UK’s involvement in torture and other human rights violations during the “war on terror”.

He will also be talking about his book, Taking A Stand: the evolution of human rights (Palgrave Macmillan), and taking part in an audience question-and-answer session.

Who: Juan Mendez, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture; Philippe Sands, Professor of Law, UCL, London; Kate Allen, Amnesty International UK Director (chair of event)

What: “in conversation” event, with audience questions; followed by book-signing and drinks

When: 6.30 for 7pm start, Monday 14 November 2011

Where: Amnesty International UK, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA

More information: https://www.amnesty.org.uk/events_details.asp?ID=1976