James Ron

James Ron is an experienced academic sociologist who holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley; he has served as a tenured professor at both the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. He taught classes and conducted research at both organizations. While at McGill, he led a number of studies as its Canada research chair. Earlier in his career, he spent two years as assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

In addition to providing independent consulting services since 2019, James has served as a research consultant with Human Rights Watch for 28 years and an evaluation consultant with Life for a Child for a decade.

Throughout his life, Ron developed a deep passion for human rights advocacy, and plied his political science degree from undergraduate studies into a sociology doctorate. His education has provided him with a deep and profound understanding of state violence, and he has used this education extensively with the Human Rights Watch. He is dedicated to his advocacy work, and plans to continue working against state abuses.

Ron's current work with Human Rights Watch involves analyzing a poll on common feelings about human rights among American citizens. Through Life for a Child, Dr. Ron has helped provide insulin and other lifesaving medical necessities to more than 18,000 children with type 1 diabetes.