In today’s digital age, the influx of open-source information has become increasingly vital in the pursuit of accountability and justice, particularly in the realms of human rights, humanitarian law, and international criminal law. Recognising the critical role that digital open source imagery plays in legal proceedings and fact-finding missions, a collective of legal scholars, human ..read more

Recent events, such as the 2023 destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in south-eastern Ukraine, have seen extensive damage inflicted on human settlements and the surrounding natural environment. This has prompted debates about the applicability of international criminal law and international environmental law, as well as other connected branches, such as international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Whereas ecocide has not yet been adopted ..read more

Here at the Human Rights Centre, we would like to extend a warm welcome to one of our newest Human Rights Centre fellows, Daniela Baro, a children’s rights expert from Argentina. Daniela has worked on children’s rights in diverse contexts, including as child rights specialist with the International Commission of Inquiry on Gaza (2014), the ..read more

By Michael Morrison In a world where human rights are not universally respected, there are courageous individuals who face persecution, silencing, torture, and forced displacement just for standing up for their beliefs. Prisoners Of Conscience (PoC), our UK-based charity, stands in solidarity with these brave people, offering both financial and practical support to those who defend human rights worldwide. Prisoners Of Conscience operates ..read more

By Saleh Hijazi I graduated from the University of Essex Human Rights Center in 2007. I went on to work as a human rights researcher documenting and reporting on violations in Palestine for over 13 years. The work was always risky not least because of the brutality of Israel’s system of apartheid which regularly targets journalists and ..read more

By Audrey Olivier Last year, I joined the Human Rights Leadership Lab with Liz Griffin at the Human Rights Centre, Essex University. It caught my attention as it is the first course which I have come across on leadership specifically tailored to the needs of human rights activists and professionals and has a central focus on values. Over the ..read more

By Kola Alapinni As an International Human Rights Lawyer deeply committed to defending fundamental freedoms and combating injustice, my work often leads me to confront egregious violations of human rights. One such battle unfolded in Northern Nigeria, where the oppressive grip of blasphemy laws threatened the lives and liberties of individuals like Yahaya Aminu-Sharif and ..read more

By Dr. Katya Alkhateeb Spotlight regularly features a significant individual or team from the Human Rights Community to answer questions put by students and colleagues from the University of Essex. This time we feature Dr. Matthew Gillett. Dr. Gillett was appointed as a United Nations Special Mandate Holder in 2022. Specifically, he is the Expert ..read more

By Dr Sophie Duroy (@sophie_duroy/@sophieduroy.bsky.social) In my book, The Regulation of Intelligence Activities under International Law, I conduct a thorough examination of modern intelligence practices within the framework of human rights, international law, and national security. My aim is to engage both legal scholars and intelligence professionals, melding legal analysis with pragmatic considerations of national security ..read more

By Carla Ferstman, Professor, Essex Law School This is a brief reflection on South Africa’s recent Application to the International Court of Justice alleging that the state of Israel is breaching its obligations under the Genocide Convention. The case is being followed closely around the world.  The allegations couldn’t be more serious.  The case relates to Israel’s military ..read more