Previously advisor to WHO assistant director-general on human rights.
Independent expert on the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1999-2002), and UN special rapporteur on the right to the highest attainable standard of health (2002-2008).
Appointed senior lecturer at Waikato University in 1992, and in 2000 professor at Essex University.
Studied law at Cambridge University and Waikato University.
Awarded an honorary doctorate from the Nordic School of Public Health in 2008.