Aarif Abraham is a barrister, writer, and speaker specialising in international criminal law and public international law, including investment arbitration, sanctions, and international human rights law. Aarif is recognised as a leading barrister (Band 1) in international law in Chambers and Partners (2021-present) and the Legal 500 (2024-present). He also has a vibrant practice relating to treaty drafting and interpretation, international arbitration, and international commercial disputes.
Aarif advises States, individuals, companies, public interest groups, and international organisations, including the United Nations. He is an appointed member of the UK Attorney General’s Public International Law (PIL) panel of specialist counsel. He also advises policy makers, parliamentarians, and practitioners on foreign policy matters, constitutional issues, and peacebuilding (including on international mediation). Over the past five years, he has extensively advised on and assisted in establishing international tribunals, panels and inquiries. His domestic practice focuses on public law, charity law, and criminal defence with a special focus on protest rights and appeals.
Aarif’s most recent and high-profile work includes advising on the creation of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression committed in Ukraine (working with Prof. Philippe Sands KC and former heads of government), acting as sole Counsel to a State Party (the Government of Lithuania) on a referral to the International Criminal Court, acting as co-counsel and principal legal advisor to the Uyghur Tribunal, founding and overseeing the Yazidi Justice Committee, acting as Co-Convener of the Standing Group on Atrocity Crimes, and supporting several parliamentary enquiries as external advisor. Aarif has acted as an advisor to various international initiatives, including on the Genocide Determination Bill, Genocide Prevention Bill, and several All-Party Parliamentary Groups concerning international law and/or foreign policy.
Aarif holds leadership positions—as a director, trustee, lawyer, or investigator—in private practice, international courts or tribunals, and NGOs and international organisations. He is the founder of Accountability Unit, an NGO specialising in conflict-resolution and justice issues. Aarif continues acts as a consultant or expert to several United Nations bodies, and is available for instruction, including through Justice Rapid Response.
Aarif regularly contributes commentary in the national and international press, including in The Times, The Observer, Politico, Guardian, Project Syndicate, BBC, and the Associated Press, and he is frequently invited to speak on international justice issues. His book, A Constitution of the People and How to Achieve It, was published by Colombia University and Ibidem Press in 2021.
Aarif originally qualified as a solicitor and practiced with the international law firm Slaughter and May, with expertise in public international law, litigation, and arbitration.
Please find a full CV and career biography for Aarif Abraham at the Doughty Street Chambers website.