Public service and international work
Despouy held several important oversight and rights-related posts during his career. Internationally, he served as the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers for the United Nations Commission on Human Rights from August 2003 until July 2009. In that capacity he produced reports and communicated with governments on issues affecting judicial independence and the protection of legal professionals.
At the national level, Despouy was Argentina's General Auditor from 2002 through 2016, overseeing public accounts and administrative transparency for the nation.
Death
Leandro Despouy died from cancer in Buenos Aires on 18 December 2019. He was 72 years old.