He was a member (2008-2014), and was Chairperson-Rapporteur (2009-2012), of the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances. Professor Sarkin served as an acting judge in 2002 and 2003 in South Africa. He also served as National Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee of South Africa from 1994-1998. He is a co-editor of the book series on Transitional Justice at Intersentia Publishers and serves on a number of journal editorial boards.