Bulletin Vol 13 No 2

BULLETIN VOL 13 ISSUE 2
OCTOBER 2014
WELCOME LL.M. CLASS 2014 - 2015!
PROF. SCHABAS
APPOINTED TO HEAD
THE UN GAZA INQUIRY
The Hon Chair of the ICHR and leading
international human rights expert has
been chosen to lead the UN’s Gaza
Inquiry.
In 2002, Prof. Schabas served on
Sierra Leone’s Truth and Reconciliation
Commission and is currently Professor of
International Law at London’s Middlesex
University.
T
he Irish Centre for Human Rights welcomes the new LL.M. class at the
Centre. More than 60 students from all over the world including Sierra Leone,
France, Lebanon, The Netherlands, Italy and Ireland came to Galway to excel in
their master studies. With this new class the ICHR is again aiming to achieve
academic excellence and will provide them with the needed academic tools for
their future endeavors. -T VA
NUIG PRESIDENT’S
RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARDS
NUI Galway has honoured staff members for their outstanding
contributions to Research. The President’s Awards for Research
were introduced earlier in 2014 and are highly competitive. The
awards acknowledge excellence in research activity across three
categories: ‘Early Stage Research‘, ‘Research Supervision‘ and
‘Established Research‘. Dr Shane Darcy is awarded one of the
NUIG President‘s Research Excellence Awards – for Early Stage
Researcher.
Recipients were honoured recently at NUI Galway’s Inaugural
Research Showcase. The awards ceremony included opening
remarks from NUI Galway President Jim Browne and VicePresident for Research Professor Lokesh Joshi. Professor Joshi
remarked on the breadth and depth of the award recipients
and thanked members of the University community for their
thoughtful and moving nominations.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr Jim
Browne, President of
NUI Galway said: “It is a
privilege to preside over
the Inaugural President’s
Research Awards and to
share our research with
fellow colleagues and
our broader research
community. Whilst our
Inaugural winners come
from different Schools
and Disciplines with very different research skills and objectives,
they share a passion for research excellence which is internationally recognised in their cognate research areas.” - NUIG/TVA
Prof. Schabas said that he had received
many messages of support from around the
world since he was tasked with the role by
the President of the Human Rights Council.
When he was asked what the mandate
of the UN Commission of Inquiry entails,
Prof. Schabas answered:
“The Resolution of the Human Rights Council A/HRC/RES/S-21/1
stated that the Inquiry shall (...) investigate all violations of
international humanitarian law and international human
rights law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East
Jerusalem, particularly in the occupied Gaza Strip, in the context
of the military operations conducted since 13 June 2014. (...)
We are entrusted to establish the facts and circumstances of
such violations. We will look at the alleged crimes perpetrated
and we need to identify responsible perpetrators. We will issue
recommendations, especially with regard to accountability,
bearing in mind to avoid and end impunity and ensure that
those responsible are held accountable. The Inquiry also aims,
according to its mandate, to protect civilians against any further
assaults.”
... continued on page 4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
ICHR ACTIVITIES
STAFF NEWS & ACTIVITIES | OPINIO JURIS
HUMAN RIGHTS NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL OF LAW
RECENT PHD GRADUATES
CAPTURING RIGHTS: ART WORK AT THE ICHR
UPCOMING EVENTS | ALUMNI NEWS | PUBLICATIONS
2-4
5-8
9
10
11
12
ICHR ACTIVITIES
International Criminal Court
Summer School 2014
From the 16th to 20th of June 2014 the annual Summer School
on the International Criminal Court took place at NUI Galway.
PAGE 2
the young residents in New York city; the Wampanoag tribe from
America; and other global issues such as the water crisis and
refugees.
The CHRA Summer School started in 2005 and since 2010 it
receives the support of the Open Society Foundations (OSF). This
year, three participants received a full scholarship to attend the
summer school in Galway.
-JW
New England Law at the ICHR
New England Law, along with California Western School of Law,
South Texas College of Law Houston, and William Mitchell College
of Law offered American law students an exciting opportunity to
study law as part of a summer experience abroad at the Irish
Centre for Human Rights.
The event was organized by the Irish Centre for Human Rights
and was attended by over 60 participants from all over the
world. Lectures on the workings of the ICC and related issues
in international criminal law were given by Professor William A.
Schabas of the Irish Centre for Human Rights and Middlesex
University; Dr Fabricio Guariglia and Dr Rod Rastan of the Office
of the Prosecutor at the ICC; Dr Mohamed M. El Zeidy of the ICC;
Professor Ray Murphy, Dr Noelle Higgins and Dr Shane Darcy of
the Irish Centre for Human Rights; Dr Nadia Bernaz and Professor
Don Ferencz of Middlesex University; Mr. John McManus of the
Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Section Canadian
Department of Justice; Professor Megan Fairlie of Florida
International University; Dr Mohamed Elewa of Northumbria
University; and Dr Kwadwo Appiagyei Atua of the University of
Ghana. Throughout the week many issues relating to the ICC
and international criminal law were discussed. Apart from the
academic debate a trip was undertaken to the Aran Islands with
the participants of the Summer School.
-AA
5th Summer School in Cinema, Human
Rights and Advocacy (CHRA) in Galway
From the 26th of June to the 5th of July 2014, the Huston
School of Film & Digital Media and the Irish Centre for Human
Rights successfully organized the 5th Summer School in
Cinema, Human Rights and Advocacy (CHRA) in Galway. The
CHRA summer school took place at the Huston School of Film
& Digital Media and the Martin Ryan Institute’s lecture theatre.
The facilitators reflected upon the use of film and video advocacy
as an instrument for enhancing human rights awareness on
critical social, political and environmental issues, as well as best
practices to influence change.
Close to fifty American law students attended lectures by
experts in the field of international human rights law, and were
also fortunate to be taught by distinguished visiting faculty
member, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. The six-week program focused on courses in international and
comparative human rights law, and accountability for human
rights violations. The students also took a number of excursions
during breaks to some of the many beautiful sights of Ireland‘s
western coast, including the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran
Islands, and Connemara. -MTdS
10th Annual Conference of the International
Society for Miltary Law and the Law of War
Hosted for Legal Advisors of the Armed Forces
The 10th Annual Conference
of the International Society
for Miltary Law and the Law
of War hosted for Legal
Advisors of the Armed
Forces was held in Galway
from 6-10 May 2014 with
the participation of Prof.
Ray Murphy. The conference was dedicated to aspects of legal
advice regarding international military operations on the African
continent. A range of international speakers addressed the
legal and related challenges to international military and peace
operations on the African Continent. Prof. Ray Murphy spoke
about the lessons learned from his UN and EU missions to Chad
and the Central African Republic.
-RM/TVA
Tamieck, The Netherlands
This year, nineteen students and professionals from Jordan,
Myanmar, Uganda, Hong Kong, USA, UK, Ireland, the Netherlands,
Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Finland, Norway, Spain and Turkey
came together for the ten-day training course where ideas and
projects were developed and challenged by internationally
acclaimed experts in film, television and human rights.
Topics developed by the participants covered public safety in
Hong Kong; the situation of the Bedouin living in the Jordan
Valley; political prisoners in Myanmar; access to healthcare in
Jordan; school bullying in Ireland; housing difficulties faced by
Why did you choose the Centre for Human Rights?
My lecturers at Leiden University spoke highly of the Centre, and
recommended their LL.M. program in Human Rights to me.
How do you like it at the Centre for Human Rights?
I have thoroughly enjoyed the year I spent at the Centre. The lectures are
dynamic, interactive and inspiring, and the lecturers very approachable.
What do you consider as most beneficial so far
in the LL.M. programme?
I have really enjoyed the semester long introductory course
on human rights law. This provided me with a strong legal
base, on which I could build in other, more specific courses
at the Centre, such as Islamic Law and Human Rights &
Practice.
ICHR ACTIVITIES
Annual Doctoral Seminar at the ICHR
Our 13th Annual Doctoral Seminar took place from the 14th to
the 18th of April 2014, attended by some 25 doctoral students
from the Centre and from a number of universities internationally.
The ICHR was pleased to have the participation of Professor Bill
Bowring of University of London, Professor Siobhan Mullally of
the Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights at University
College Cork and Dr Edel Hughes from the University of East
London.
-CM
LL.M. class 2013/2014 on
the annual trip to the ICTY
The Irish Centre for
Human Rights conducted
its annual field trip
to the international
tribunals in The Hague,
the Netherlands from
the 10th to 11th of
April 2014. The trip
was well attended by
postgraduate students
from
the
Centre
and included visits to the International Court of Justice, the
International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)
and the International Criminal Court. Numerous enlightening
presentations were received including from Mr. Jonas Nilsson,
Legal Officer in Chambers at the ICTY, and from Mr. Richard
Harvey, Stand-by Counsel for Mr. Radovan Karadžić.
-CS
ICHR supports Burmese Efforts to
Ratify the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights
On behalf of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the
Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR) is supporting the Burmese
Government efforts to ratify the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights (ICCPR). Ratification of the ICCPR is an
important indicator of a State’s commitment to the protection
of civil and political rights. Professor Michael O’Flaherty led an
initial project scoping exercise in Burma in June 2014.
Senior Burmese Government officials who spoke to Prof.
O’Flaherty and his team (in the Ministry of Social Welfare, the
PAGE 3
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Attorney General’s Office), as well
as the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights,
were uniformly positive about the value of the treaty in providing
a framework and a stimulus for the development of progressive
policies.
The ICHR team will support the Burmese Government ICCPR
ratification through awareness-raising workshops targeted
towards three key stakeholder groups: Government, parliament
and civil society, and produce an ICCPR ratification manual. Each
workshop will introduce the United Nations human rights treaty
system, introduce the ICCPR and detail the substantive and
procedural aspects, and identify the specific role of the target
groups (Government, parliamentarians and civil society) in the
pathway towards ICCPR ratification. Future plans also include
organisation of an immersion visit to UN Geneva for relevant
stakeholder representatives in 2015.
-EB
Martha, United States
Why did you choose the Centre for Human Rights?
I had the opportunity to briefly attend seminars at the Centre
while participating in a summer study-abroad program through my
undergraduate university and was immediately drawn to the Centre’s
breadth of courses, the expertise of its lecturers and its reputation as a
leading institution for the study of human rights law.
How do you like it at the Centre for Human Rights?
The level of knowledge and experience that the Centre’s lecturers bring
to every class not only makes the coursework highly engaging but also
offers insight to the practical application of human rights law in real world
situations. Coupled with frequent discussions among students from a wide
variety of backgrounds, this makes for a dynamic and rewarding learning
environment. The Centre has certainly lived up to my expectations in
every regard and I’m so glad I chose to continue my studies here.
What do you consider as most beneficial so far
in the LL.M. programme?
Although there are several benefits from studying at the
Centre, it is the lecturers‘ academic and professional
experience that stands out to me as being most beneficial.
Their work in their respective fields of study and experiences
on the ground make human rights law, refugee law, and all other modules
offered as part of the LL.M. programme come alive in a way that doesn’t
always happen with legal studies.
EJ Phelan Fellowship in International
Law awarded to Amina Adanan
Congratulations to ICHR PhD candidate and Doctoral Fellow,
Amina Adanan, who has been awarded the EJ Phelan Fellowship
in International Law by the National University of Ireland.
The Fellowship is funded by a
special bequest from the late Mr.
and Mrs. Edward J Phelan and is
intended to encourage and support
a doctoral candidate of proven
academic excellence towards a
doctoral degree in any area of
International Law, in a constituent
university of the NUI. The award is
named after distinguished diplomat
Edward J. Phelan, one of the first
international civil servants at the
International Labour Organization,
who later became the ILO’s fourth
Director and first Director-General.
Amina‘s research project, ‘The Transitional Nature of Universal
Jurisdiction’, provides a comprehensive analysis of the rationale
for the application of universal jurisdiction to international
crimes.
-NH
ICHR ACTIVITIES
Interview with Opening Week Guest
Lecturer, Professor Cees Flinterman
On 11th September 2014, Prof. Cees Flinterman, Professor
Emeritus at the Universities of Maastricht and Utrecht and a
member of the UN Human Rights Committee, delivered the
opening week guest lecture.
Prof. Flinterman, you spent some days in Galway and gave a
lecture to the new LL.M. class. What has impressed you about
the Centre, the city and its students?
It was one of the best times to come. The city is very
vivid. I am always impressed by the culture and history of this city.
I have been to the ICHR twice now. It offers a lot: nice building,
good equipment, great staff. It is an excellent meeting point for
students and academics. I experienced a nice atmosphere from
all staff members and especially from its Director, Prof. Michael
O’Flaherty. The lecture I gave was also very stimulating. The
students were very eager to learn and posed interesting
questions. All in all: it was a great experience.
PAGE 4
what we have achieved so far and maintain hope. There will
never be a paradise, but we must struggle for the cause.
Sir, you have served on the UN Human Rights Committee
for several years. From that perspective, are human rights a
utopia or reality?
It is neither utopia nor reality. Look at Iraq and Syria. Look
at the various domestic and international conflicts. Nevertheless,
we have achieved something: look at the institutions created
in the Americas and in Africa: the Inter-American Commission
on Human Rights, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights,
the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights, the African
Commission on Human and Peoples Rights and so on and so
forth. They are all results of diligent human rights advocacy. It
is the feasible result of what can be achieved if we never loose
hope. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights speaks in the
Preamble of the “common standard of achievement”. Let us
continue to achieve that common standard.
The interview was conducted by
Thamil Venthan Ananthavinayagan, LL.M.
How would you value the academic significance of the ICHR?
There are a number of aspects: the convergence of
the legal dimension and the relevance of other disciplines. The
combination of different legal fields, such as ICL, IHL and IHRL
makes the ICHR unique. The ICHR follows a policy not only to
be strictly academic, but also aims to prepare for field work.
The lectures are of very high academic quality: Professors like
Michael O’Flaherty, Ray Murphy and William Schabas shaped the
reputation of the Centre.
As a dedicated and experienced human rights advocate, what
is your advice for aspiring young academics and human rights
defenders?
We should always keep in mind that the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights paved the way for the global
protection of human rights, it expressed the basic idea of
humanity all around the world. Fundamental freedoms and
rights were developed and considerate studies were conducted
since 1948. Looking at the world today, we have achieved much,
but there is still a lot to do. So, my advice is: be hopeful and
determined to defend human rights!
Pessimists question human rights and remain in defeatism
and cynism. They say: “Why human rights? It is only lip-service
and never feasible.” What would you answer?
I am working in the field now for the past 45 years.
Looking back, what has happened so far? With the decolonization
-this was a major step forward to protect human rights- we have
ushered into an era of creating accountability for gross violation
of human rights, the expansion of international criminal law, the
different monitoring mechanisms for the protection of human
rights and much more. Who would have ever expected this to
happen 40 years ago? This is the result of the meticulous and
diligent work of dedicated human right advocates. It is therefore
of utmost importance that we continue. We need to strengthen
PROF. SCHABAS APPOINTED AS THE
HEAD OF THE UN GAZA INQUIRY
... continued from page 1
Responding to questions regarding impartiality he
replied: “The real issue is not whether I have views on
relevant issues, but if I can put them to one side in an
effort to be as impartial as possible, the way a judge
or members of a jury do. I believe I can do this. Many
of those who have criticised me do not seem to desire
an impartial Chairman who attempts to put personal
views to one side. Rather, they want a Chairman who
has views close or closer to their own.”
Prof. Schabas also elaborated on his colleagues of the
UN Gaza Inquiry. He said with regard to his colleagues,
Mr. Diène and Mrs. McGowan Davis: “Mr. Diène was the
United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary
forms of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance
from. He also served as Independent Expert on the
situation of human rights in Côte d‘Ivoire from 2011
to 2014. He brings immense experience from the field
and is furthermore a well-known UN expert.
The other member of the Inquiry, Mrs. McGowan
Davis, served as a Justice of the Supreme Court in
the State of New York. Her expertise in the fields of
international human rights law and transitional justice
is remarkable. She also served as a member and then
Chair of the UN Committee of Independent Experts,
entrusted with the follow up-procedure on the findings
of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza conflict
occurring between December 2008 and January
2009. With confidence I can say that this Inquiry
brings together experience, expertise and a high-level
of reputation and impartiality.”
The final report of the Gaza Inquiry will be presented
to the Human Rights Council in March 2015, it will be
open for further debate and the adoption of a resolution
to conduct further actions.
(article slightly revised from the original article written by
Mr. Connor Harrington, Galway Independent, 20th of August
2014 and added with an interview conducted by
Thamil Venthan Ananthavinayagan, LL.M.)
STAFF NEWS & ACTIVITIES
Prof. Michael O’Flaherty
at the 2014 ASIL Meeting
PAGE 5
Conor, Ireland
Prof. O’Flaherty participated in a panel titled: The Effectiveness
of the United Nations Human Rights Protection Machinery at
the 108th Annual Meeting on the 11th April 2014, together
with Professor Kathryn Sikkink, Felice Gaer, Ted Picconne and
Professor Beth Simmons.
He spoke to the outcome of the treaty body strengthening process and expressed cautious optimism regarding the future of
the system. O’Flaherty emphasised the importance now of such
stakeholders as the treaty bodies themselves rising to the challenge of reform and highlighted the ongoing need for significantly
enhanced resources to be provided by member States of the UN.
For more information, please visit: http://goo.gl/i0p0so
- R. Carter Paret, ASIL/TVA
Irish Compliance with International Covenant
on Civil and Political Rights: Prof. Michael
O’Flaherty addresses the Irish Senate
On the 6th of May 2014 Prof. O’Flaherty
was invited to address a committee
of Seanad Éireann (the upper house
of the Irish Parliament) on Ireland’s
compliance with the International
Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights. This was the first hearing ever
conducted by the Irish Parliament on
the country’s compliance with its UN
human rights treaty obligations.
For more information, please visit: http://goo.gl/hlw7jm
EU-Brazil forum Rio de Janeiro
Dr Karen da Costa represented the Irish Centre for Human Rights
at the 3rd EU-Brazil Civil Society Human Rights Seminar, which
focused on the topic “Human Rights, Education and Sport“.
The event took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 3rd of April
2014. Dr Da Costa participated in the panel dedicated to „The
role of Human Rights in the education system“, and she made
a presentation entitled “Connecting the dots: Finding the link
between Human Rights and Education”.
-KDC
Dr Shane Darcy joins the National Board of
Amnesty International Ireland
For more information, please visit:
http://www.amnesty.ie/about-us
Why did you choose the Centre for Human Rights?
I have heard about the many well-regarded guest lectures on a diverse
range of human rights related topics and the high expertise at the Centre.
The quality of speakers and lecturers really reflects the high regard in
which the ICHR is held in the human rights law community.
How do you like it at the Centre for Human Rights?
The atmosphere at the Centre is great. Everyone is based in the one
building so it’s easy to get to know your colleagues. The student body is
very international so it’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded
students from all over the world. The guest speakers were also a highlight.
What do you consider as most beneficial so far
in the LL.M. programme?
The bi-weekly lectures gave me a regular chance to meet
colleagues and lecturers while also allowing me plenty of
time for independent research. I really enjoyed my time at
the ICHR and would strongly recommend the various LL.M.
courses the Centre provides.
Prof. O’Flaherty panelist at Geneva event
marking the outcome of the treaty body
strengthening process
On 9th May 2014, the Permanent Missions of Switzerland,
Poland, Ireland, Morocco, South Korea together with the
Universal Rights Group and the Geneva Academy organised a
panel meeting on ‘the outcome of the Treaty Body strengthening
process: lessons learnt, implications and implementation’.
Around a hundred and ten representatives from UN Permanent
Missions, international governmental organisations and nongovernmental organisations attended the event.
The meeting began with introductory remarks by H.E. Ambassador
Alexandre Fasel, Permanent Representative of Switzerland, H.E
Ambassador Mr Remigiusz Henczel, Permanent Representative
of Poland, representatives from the delegations of Ireland,
Morocco and South Korea and Mr Bacre Ndiaye, Director of
Human Rights Council and Special Procedures Division of the
Office of the High Commissioner.
There was then an interactive dialogue with an expert panel
featuring Professor Claudio Grossman, Chair of the UN Committee
against Torture and Chair of the Meeting of Chairpersons of the
Human Rights Treaty Bodies, Professor Malcolm Evans, Chair of
the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture and incoming
Chair of the Meeting of Chairpersons of the Human Rights
Treaty Bodies, Professor Michael O’Flaherty, Vice Chair of the
Boards of Trustees of the Universal Rights Group, Dr Ibrahim
Salama, Director Human Rights Treaties Division, Office of the
High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Tania Baldwin Pask,
International Advocacy Program, Amnesty International and Ms
Christen Broecker, Jacob Blaustein Institute for Advancement of
Human Rights.
The panellists offered a detailed analysis of the outcome of the
Treaty Body strengthening process, a process that resulted in
the adoption of UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/68/268
in April 2014. They offered thoughts on the implications of the
outcome for Treaty Body experts, reporting states, OHCHR, NGOs
and victims. The resolution on strengthening and enhancing the
effective functioning of the human rights Treaty Body system is
considered a major advance for this key part of the international
human rights system. Panelists also offered thoughts on the
effective implementation of the resolution, including through a
harmonization of working methods and capacity building upon
the request of reporting states.
During the ensuing dialogue, interventions were made amongst
others by the delegations of Russia, Indonesia and Tunisia,
Treaty Body members, and NGOs.
-Universal Rights Group/TVA
STAFF NEWS & ACTIVITIES
Glion Human Rights Dialogue 2014
On 13th-14th May 2014, the Governments of Norway and
Switzerland, supported by the Universal Rights Group, hosted
a high-level two-day retreat in Glion, Switzerland, designed to
provide an open platform for dialogue and fresh thinking on the
future of the international human rights system. Prof. O’Flaherty
participated in this event as a panelist.
The title of the 2014 Glion Human Rights Dialogue was: The
Future of the OHCHR and the UN Human Rights Pillar: The Next
20 Years.
The Glion Human Rights Dialogue provided a platform for
representatives of key parts of the international human rights
system such as states, OHCHR, Special Procedure mandateholders and members of Treaty Bodies, and NGOs, to brainstorm
in an informal setting about the key challenges facing the system
and how best to overcome them.
The Glion Human Rights Dialogue was a ‘retreat-style‘ event that
brought together over 60 key human rights practitioners and
thinkers, and provided an optimal atmosphere for honest and
frank exchange, and new and innovative thinking.
-Universal Rights Group/TVA
Citizens Rights Watch
PAGE 6
represents ICHR on the AHRI Executive Committee. It has been
agreed that AHRI 2015 will be hosted in Belgrade.
For more information please visit:
http://goo.gl/L8FJno
-TVA
Professor O’Flaherty chairs High Level Panel
on Torture Prevention in Washington D.C.
On 28 May, in Washington D.C., Prof. O’Flaherty chaired a High
Level Panel, coordinated by the Academy on Human Rights
and Humanitarian Law of the American University Washington
College of Law and the American Society of International Law, on
the topic of the struggles faced by the international community in
the combat of torture. Speakers
included Claudio Grossman,
Chair, UN Committee Against
Torture and Dean, American
University Washington College of
Law and Juan Mendez, UN Special
Rapporteur on Torture and other
cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment.
-ASIL/TVA
Dr Noelle Higgins appointed as a Committee
Member of the Royal Irish Academy
Dr Noelle Higgins is appointed as a Committee Member for the
Ethical, Political, Legal and Philosophical Studies Committee of
the Royal Irish Academy.
For more information, please visit:
http://goo.gl/Nd7hAL
-NH/TVA
Prof. O’Flaherty speaks as panelist at event:
“Reflections on the future of the
UN’s human rights pillar”
On the 4th of September 2014, in Geneva, the Governments
of Norway and Switzerland, convened a panel discussion on
“Reflections on the future of the UN’s human rights pillar”. The
event was attended by some 90 ambassadors, diplomats, NGOs,
UN officials and academics.
Dr Zoi Alizoi, a postdoctoral researcher at the ICHR has founded
a new human rights organization: Citizens Rights Watch is
human rights NGO that focuses on the protection of the rights of
citizens all around the world. Its mandate is to hold governments
accountable whenever and wherever a citizen’s rights are being
violated. The organization aims to raise human rights awareness,
cultivate a culture of equality, dignity, rule of law, fairness &
justice for the current & future generations.
For more information, please visit: http://www.citizensrw.org
-ZA/MOF/TVA
Strong ICHR Representation at AHRI 2014
The annual meeting of the Association of Human Rights Institutes
took place in Copenhagen from 29 to 30 September, with
the theme, “Human Rights under pressure: Exploring Norms,
Institutions and Policies. The ICHR was strongly represented
on various panels. Professor O’Flaherty chaired the panel, “UN
Treaty Bodies: Innovation and Opportunity” and was discussant
on another, “Freedom of Expression Confronting Othering”. ICHR Doctoral Fellow, Yingxi Bi delivered a paper on the topic,
“Drug Control Policy – a Human Rights Based Approach Towards
Drug Users” and Tanja Florath, another of our doctoral fellows,
presented the paper, “The Human Rights Declaration of ASEAN:
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?”. Professor Ray Murphy
The discussion offered an opportunity for all stakeholders to
reflect on the future of the UN’s human rights pillar in the buildup to the Human Rights Council’s 10th anniversary in 2016.
The panel comprised Ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba, the
first President of the Council, UN Special Rapporteur Dr Ahmed
Shaheed, Professor Michael O’Flaherty and senior Amnesty
International official, Richard Bennett.
-UPR/TVA
Peter, Ireland
Why did you choose the Centre for Human Rights?
Having served with UN peacekeeping forces in my time as an officer in
the Defence Forces, I was very interested in the Peace Operations aspect
of the LL.M. syllabus.
How do you like it at the Centre for Human Rights?
The ICHR is a wonderful place for post-graduate study. Students are
encouraged to contribute to discussions at seminars and the passion that
students feel for their own areas of particular interest is palpable.
What do you consider as most beneficial so far in the LL.M.
programme?
For me, personally, the opportunity to research areas of
particular interest to me has been the most rewarding
aspect of my time here. Students are encouraged to select
essay and dissertation topics that they have an interest
in themselves and the guidance and feedback from the
lecturers is most beneficial.
STAFF NEWS & ACTIVITIES
PAGE 7
International Disaster and Risk Conference
IDRC Davos 2014
at the Centre, and was awarded her doctorate in 2014. During
her academic career Dr Duffy has received various awards
and scholarships, including the prestigious Department of
Foreign Affairs scholarship in conflict resolution, and a National
University of Ireland fellowship.
Dr Da Costa participated in the 5th Global Risk Forum 2014,
organized by the foundation Global Risk Forum. The event
took place in Davos, Switzerland, from 24-28 August 2014,
and gathered over 500 participants from all over the world.
She presented two papers at the conference, entitled: “Can
the observance of human rights of individuals enhance their
resilience to cope with natural disasters?“, and “Finding the
Missing Thread: the Inclusion of a Human Rights-based Approach
in Tackling Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Disaster
Risk Reduction“, the latter as co-author. The two papers are to be
published in the conference proceedings.
-KDC
Dr Duffy will assist in the delivery of the BA (Human Rights)
Connect programme at the Irish Centre for Human Rights.
-AD
The ICHR welcomes its new
Doctoral Fellow Nicholas McMurry
Nicholas McMurry is a School of Law
Fellow, conducting his PhD studies under
the supervision of Dr Shane Darcy in the
ICHR. Nicholas is an LL.M. graduate from
the Centre from 2011. His studies focus
on the concept of participation within
economic, social and cultural rights, why
this is necessary from a theoretical point of
view, and what it might mean from a legal point of view.
Nicholas also runs a research business, Shared Insight, with his
partner, Siobhan, and they conduct social scientific, legal and
socio-legal research on behalf of groups in the voluntary and
state sectors, and human-rights advocacy.
-TVA
Dr Karen da Costa Concluding Her Role at the
Irish Centre for Human Rights
After two years working with us at the ICHR, Dr Karen da Costa
concluded her activities at the end of August 2014. Dr Da
Costa graciously noted, „The experience gained at the Centre
was absolutely invaluable and I am very grateful for the many
opportunities given to me throughout my time working at the
Centre! I look forward to closely collaborating with the Centre and
its colleagues in future academic initiatives.“ Dr Da Costa moved
to London, where she started working at University College
London as Research Associate with the Faculty of Laws.
-KDC
Mara, Scotland
Why did you choose the Centre for Human Rights?
I was drawn to the wide range of interesting courses offered and the
excellent reputation the Centre holds in international human rights and
international criminal law.
How do you like it at the Centre for Human Rights?
I’ve found studying at the Centre inspiring and highly enjoyable. There
is a great work ethic and the lecturers are extremely
approachable.
What do you consider as most beneficial so far
in the LL.M. programme?
Being taught by lecturers who are so actively involved
and passionate about the issues taught in class. It really
highlighted the importance of what we were learning.
Dr Karen da Costa selected for
COST Summer school on Disaster Bioethics
Dr Karen da Costa was selected to take part in the COST
(European Cooperation in Science and Technology) funded
training School on Disaster Bioethics (COST Action IS1201),
which took place at the Inter-University Centre (IUC), in Dubrovnik,
Croatia, from 23-28 June 2014. The training school aimed at
instructing early stage researchers from different countries
about ethical issues arising in disasters. It was comprised of
lectures, seminars and group work aimed at helping those with
disaster-related experience learn about bioethics or those with
ethics backgrounds learn about disasters. Trainees with a range
of backgrounds were chosen to facilitate interdisciplinary and
inter-sectoral discussions.
New BA Connect (Human Rights) Coordinator
The Irish Centre for Human Rights is pleased to announce the
appointment of Dr Aoife Duffy as lecturer in human rights law.
Prior to this posting, Dr Duffy worked as adjunct staff at the
School of Law and Government, Dublin City University.
Aoife Duffy holds an honors BA degree in Applied Psychology
from University College Cork, and an M.Phil in International
Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin. After completing the
LL.M. programme in International Human Rights Law at the Irish
Centre for Human Rights, Dr Duffy engaged in doctoral research
Photo: COST Summer school Dubrovnik, Croatia. Walking tour of Old
Dubrovnik about History of Medicine, organized by the University of
Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb.
-KDC
OPINIO JURIS
OPINIO JURIS by Prof. Ray Murphy
COULD AN INTERNATIONAL MILITARY
PRESENCE WORK IN PALESTINE?
There have been a number of proposals in the past for an
international peacekeeping or protection force in the context of
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Amongst these was a call in 2002
by the former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, for a robust
multinational presence under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
More recently, President Abbas is reported to have asked the UN
to put the ‘state’ of Palestine under ‘international protection’ due
to the worsening crisis in Gaza. Israel’s position has evolved from
outright opposition to hesitancy and more recently acceptance
that a proposed peacekeeping force has merit in the context of
a broader agreement.
The current round of fighting highlights the necessity to
consider all possible options as a return to the status quo ante
is untenable. Deployment of an international force could be
considered only in the context of a permanent ceasefire and
peace process. Under Chapter VII, the UN Security Council
possesses a broad range of powers to deal effectively with
threats to the peace. Such powers include enforcement action,
sanctions and resort to military measures. The most significant
challenge to contemporary peacekeeping operations is the
need to protect vulnerable groups and it is often expressed in
terms of the responsibility to protect civilians. The past decade
has witnessed the prioritising of the protection of civilians
in statements and resolutions emanating from the Security
Council. Despite resolutions and documents expressing resolve
by the Security Council, the situation of peacekeeping forces
is compounded by the failure to commit resources, manpower
and equipment, to enable peace forces respond and confront
challenges in the field.
The force would need the capacity to prevent incursions by
either side into the territory of the other, something that could
give rise to significant military and political challenges. Finding
agreement for the deployment of international forces is just
one step in the process. The requirement for a clear, credible
and achievable mandate cannot be overstated. Key issues
such as rules of engagement, area of operations and freedom
of movement are among the more specific details that must be
agreed before any proposed deployment. Will an international
force have the mandate and means to protect civilians, whether
Palestinian or Israeli?
A prerequisite for the deployment of any international force is
an agreement between the parties. Consent is a critical factor in
determining success. This requires a simultaneous agreement
on deployment and area of operations. The deployment of
UNIFIL in Lebanon in 1978 demonstrates the hazards of failing
to agree such issues at the outset.
While UN approval is essential, it does not follow that the
international force must be UN led. The most likely candidates to
play the lead role are the US or NATO. The Palestinian Authority
and Israel would have a veto on the composition of the force. It
is likely that European and North American governments would
be willing to support any peacekeeping initiative owing to the
strategic importance of the region. Nevertheless, all parties would
need to be realistic as it could still prove difficult to generate the
necessary personnel from potential troop contributing countries.
Funding of the entire operation would be a critical issue.
Recently the UN redeployed forces from one peacekeeping
operation to another to reduce costs. The major funder of UN
peace operations is the US, so this is another reason for US
PAGE 8
involvement in every aspect of the process.
A force of around ten thousand would be
large enough to make its presence felt but still reasonable
given the area covered by the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
So called ‘over the horizon’ forces or reinforcements could be
stationed in neighbouring countries like Jordan or Egypt.
The nature of any peacekeeping mission would require a
mix of traditional peacekeeping and the more robust peaceenforcement missions envisioned under Chapter VII of the UN
Charter. Any international force deployed would need to be well
armed with the capacity to use force. This would be necessary
for force protection purposes and to defend the mandate. The
mandate should include a role in the monitoring of international
human rights and humanitarian law. This would require the right
to intervene to prevent violations as part of a broader strategy to
protect Palestinians and reassure Israel. In this regard, a human
rights component to the mission would have an important role
working with other agencies.
The Multi National and Observer Force on the Sinai
operates checkpoints, observation posts and conducts patrols
in addition to verification tasks. The division of the area of
operations into zones provides an example of how areas of
responsibility and likely flashpoints can be identified. From
a peacekeeping perspective, the fear is that the international
forces would be targeted. Random attacks by hard line elements
such as Salafi Jihad in Gaza could be expected, but targeting by
Hamas would render the mission untenable.
There has been no shortage of UN resolutions and political
rhetoric in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. None
of these have been matched by a commensurate political
commitment to enforce such resolutions and this has been an
overriding weakness with UN engagement to date. The Israeli
occupation has choked economic and political developments
throughout the Palestinian territories and despite UN agencies,
the European Union (EU) and the presence of other international
organisations, this assistance is hindered by the occupation.
An extensive and focused peacebuilding programme will be
required.
Ultimately, the Arab-Israeli conflict must be addressed, not
that between Israel and the Palestinians alone. To succeed,
the peacekeeping operation must have a clear mandate and
adequate resources and it must be tailored to fit the political,
regional and other realities of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Although
the military component may be led by NATO, the UN should
retain the lead role in the civilian operation and the Office for the
Co-ordinations of Humanitarian Affairs is well placed to take this
lead. A further challenge is to deploy an international force with
the military capacity to enforce the mandate and not be seen as
another occupying force merely replacing the Israeli presence.
Chris, Nigeria
Why did you choose the Centre for Human Rights?
I was attracted by the combination of highly skilled academics who
worked in the field as practioners, such as Prof. Ray Murphy and Prof.
O’Flaherty.
How do you like it at the Centre for Human Rights?
Again, the experiences the lecturers convey in their lectures is really
thrilling and exciting.
What do you consider as most beneficial so far
in the LL.M. programme?
I did my undergraduate studies in Mass Communication,
University of Lagos, Nigeria and my LLB in Nottingham
Trent University in England. With L.LM, I expect to move
into a new area of expertise, develop my skills, get more
global picture as regards human rights and humanitarian
law, deepen my knowledge, and above all, improve my status.
HUMAN RIGHTS NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL OF LAW
Franco-Irish Discussion on Marriage Equality
The School of Law, in association with the French Embassy in
Ireland, hosted a Franco-Irish discussion on marriage equality
in April. The keynote speaker was Erwann Binet (photo), deputy
of the French National Assembly. Deputy Binet was the rapporteur for the French “mariage pour tous” (marriage equality) bill in
2013 and spoke on the political challenges faced in passing the
bill through the French parliament.
PAGE 9
Ruth, Spain
Why did you choose the Centre for Human Rights?
I am student of the E.MA Programme and I decided to do my second
semester at the Irish Centre for several reasons. The reputation of the
NUIG at the international level, as well as the Irish Centre which is one
of the best in the world for the studying of human rights were the first
reasons.
How do you like it at the Centre for Human Rights?
I loved my time at the Irish Centre. The expertise of the lectures gave
me a really good perspective on different subjects. The several meetings,
conferences and special lectures by scholars and professionals of the
field from abroad, have made the stay at the Irish Centre priceless. Also,
the opportunity to be involved in different summer schools giving the
chance to learn more about other subjects, makes the NUIG one the most
attractive places to study.
What do you consider as most beneficial so far in the LL.M.
programme?
I cannot opine so much because I have not done my masters
here, but seeing my classmates, the different LL.M. and their
subjects, the opportunity to choose a MA specialised in
a topic, and decide its classes make it more attractive. I
believe it is a great opportunity and it is worth it.
Whereas marriage equality was legislated for in France without a
referendum – despite significant political and public opposition
– the Irish government has committed to holding a referendum
to legalise same-sex marriage in 2015, as it believes that the
Constitution in its current form would prevent this from being introduced through ordinary legislation. More than three quarters
of the members of the Constitutional Convention recommended
that the Constitution should be amended to provide for marriage
equality for same-sex couples. Parallel to the debate on marriage
rights, there has been a move towards legislative reform concerning assisted reproduction and adoption rights in both countries.
In this light, the event provided an insight on the shared experience of Ireland and France in undertaking legislative and constitutional reform in controversial areas of family law. The event was
chaired by Dr Lucy-Ann Buckley of the School of Law, a family law
specialist, who also highlighted relevant aspects of family law
reform in Ireland. An official response was provided by Dr Eoin
Daly of the School of Law, a specialist in constitutional law, who
discussed how similar challenges are being faced in Ireland in
relation to marriage equality and highlighted key aspects of the
Irish constitutional context.
EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation &
Science awarded LL.D. (honoris causa)
In June the EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation & Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, was awarded an LL.D (honoris causa) at a conferring ceremony held in NUI Galway. She was introduced by Professor Donncha O’Connell, Head of the School of
Law, who highlighted her record as the Minister for Justice who
introduced legislation to decriminialise homosexual acts, stating:
“Máire Geoghegan-Quinn received deserved praise not just for
taking the first and crucial step in the advance towards greater
equality but for the courageous and generous-spirited manner
in which she did so, adopting also, in the face of considerable
opposition, a uniform age of sexual consent.
Annual Distinguished Lecture 2014
From left to right: Dr Jim Browne, President of NUI Galway,
Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation
& Science and Prof. Donncha O’Connell, Head of the School of Law
In May the Law School hosted its Annual Distinguished Lecture
for 2014 which was on the topic of ‘The National Judge and the
European Union’. The lecture was delivered by Mr. Justice Nial
Fennelly (photo) of the Irish Supreme Court and formerly Advocate General at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)
with a response from Anna-Louise Hinds, Lecturer in EU Law at
the School of Law. Although the focus of the lecture was largely
on the CJEU, in the discussion afterwards there was quite a bit of
discourse on the role of the EU in the area of fundamental rights.
Doing the right thing for no political gain but because it is the
right thing to do defines a person as truly powerful. As a legislator,
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn spoke to our better selves, beginning
the process of welcoming to full citizenship at least one group of
internal exiles in this state and ending decades of painful public
and private strife. We would not now live in a society where it
is possible for people, regardless of their sexual orientation, to
live full lives within the law, with legal recognition for loving and
committed relationships, were it not for the power exercised by
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn.”
RECENT PHD GRADUATES
Helen McDermott
Left to right: Dr Shane Darcy (supervisor),
Helen McDermott, Prof. Carsten Stahn (external examiner,
University of Leiden) and Dr Noelle Higgins (internal examiner)
Stefanie Heinrich
Left to right: Dr Shane Darcy (internal examiner),
Prof. Ray Murphy (supervisor), Stefanie Heinrich,
Stephan Parmentier (external examiner, KU Leuven)
Bonny Ling
PAGE 10
John Reynolds
Left to right: Dr Kathleen Kavanaugh (supervisor), John Reynolds,
Dr Ekaterina Yahyaoui Krivenko (internal examiner)
not pictured: Dr Antony Anghie (external examiner, University of Utah)
Heping Dang
Left to right: Dr Shane Darcy (Chair),
Prof. Michael O’Flaherty (internal examiner), Heping Dang,
Dr Jérémie Gilbert (University of East London), Prof. William Schabas
Congratulations
to all graduates!!!
Dientje, The Netherlands
Why did you choose the Centre for Human Rights?
The ICHR offers a specific focus on relevant fields of international law; the
diverse courses are very interesting and enable to specialize myself in the
fields I am interested in- such as sexual minorities and gender.
How do you like it at the Centre for Human Rights?
Really good! The lecturers share their personal stories and are always
accessible. I also like it that there are many extra activities organized,
such as relevant movies and guest lectures, which makes me feel very
involved.
Left to right: Dr Ekaterina Yahyaoui (internal examiner),
Dr Joel Quirk (external examiner, Wits University),
Bonny Ling, Prof. Michael O‘Flaherty (chair)
and Dr Shane Darcy (supervisor)
What do you consider as most beneficial so far
in the LL.M. programme?
It is a big international group. They all share their interesting
perspectives and come from various backgrounds, for
example NGOs, police etc. All these differences make for
inspiring discussions in class.
CAPTURING RIGHTS: ART WORK AT THE ICHR
Capturing Rights: Art work at the ICHR
The Centre houses a number of pieces of artwork, some of
these are original, that speak to the subject of human rights.
The most substantial collection is from British based artist Peter
Kennard’s UNWORDS, in which Kennard looks at the Events of
1995 through the words of the United Nations and the financial
pages of newspapers. In the book, which contains the images of
UNWORDS, the motivation behind Kennard’s work is explained:
‘UNWORDS questions whether the barbarism of the global
system can be addressed through the words of the UN, words
which in themselves aspire to democracy and freedom. The
words and numbers of the financial pages aspire to a very
different kind of freedom, that of the market.
Kennard demonstrates that
it is this which determines
the function of the UN and it
is this that the UN is bound to
protect. In the face of price
indexes and market reports
words become UNWORDS
and the protective language
of the UN becomes no more
than empty rhetoric masking
the reality of the economic
and financial imperatives of
the market place.
PAGE 11
Ireland. The Centre purchased one of his paintings, a portrait of
human rights activist Rivera Kalenzo. In choosing Kalenzo as his
subject, Block explains:
When Rivera Kalenzo learned that soldiers had attacked the
Bucana market in Burundi, she had no time to even grieve the
deaths of her four eldest children. Determined to protect the
remaining two, she fled to Tanzania in an attempt to escape
the brutality that had long-accompanied Burundi‘s civil war.
In this conflict, the designation of civilian, or even child, offers
little protection to a populace subject to terror and intimidation
by government forces and opposition groups alike. Hundreds
of unarmed citizens are murdered each year, some shot or
bayoneted to death while working their fields or taking refuge
in their own homes. Children, abducted from primary schools
and Tanzanian refuge camps, have been forcibly recruited as
soldiers by both government and opposition armies. Those who
manage to escape can be subsequently arrested by government
forces for „collaboration“ with opposition groups and may be
detained in adult prisons for years without trial. In a nation
where any side can be the enemy, desperate parents like Rivera
Kalenzo have negotiated army minefields on the country‘s
border to join the nearly half-million who have sought asylum
in neighboring Tanzania. Though the overcrowded, restrictive,
and often dangerous refugee camps that mark their destination
may offer little more than survival, for a mother protecting the
life of her child, survival is the only option.
As the struggle for human
rights becomes buried by the
share prices, the politicians
do not even appear on these
pages, their absence symbolising their collusion with the
multinationals and the international banking system. Ken SaroWiwa is dead. Shell survives unscathed.
In the final section of UNWORDS, hands, though damaged and
submerged under layers of print, continue to claw, tear and rip
at the pages.‘
After viewing Kennard’s work in the Pump House in London, the
artist was contacted by the Centre and asked if any of the images
of UNWORDS were available in print. Kennard responded by
providing the Centre with an entire series of signed lithographs.
These prints are on display in the main seminar room of the
Centre.
Hannah, Ireland/Spain
Why did you choose the Centre for Human Rights?
I chose the Centre for Human rights because it has the reputation for
championing human rights, both at the national as well as at the
international level.
How do you like it at the Centre for Human Rights?
I think it is great here with all these interesting people at the Centre. The
professors have a academic and field experience. I also
appreciate the multidisciplinary approach to analyze
human rights issues.
What do you consider as most beneficial so far
in the LL.M. programme?
The level of expertise conveyed and the discussions at the
seminar level.
Tom Block is a US based artist. From 2001-2009, Block engaged
on a Human Rights Painting Project, in conjunction with Amnesty
International. The result was a series of portraits that highlighted
human rights advocates from around the world and the vital work
of Amnesty International. As part of this initiative, Tom Block
came to Ireland and sold some of his work to benefit Amnesty
The work of these two artists are joined by a series of photographs
from around the world taken by present and former students and
staff of the Centre.
-KC
UPCOMING EVENTS | ALUMNI NEWS | PUBLICATIONS
Megan Fairlie
UPCOMING EVENTS
LAUNCH OF THE KEVIN BOYLE ARCHIVE
The family of the late Prof. Kevin Boyle, co-founder of the ICHR,
has lodged his archive at NUI Galway. This important archive has
much to say about the pursuit of human rights in Ireland, the UK
and internationally.
The Archive will be launched at a series
of events at NUI Galway on the 28th of
November 2014. A day-long symposium,
organised by the Irish Centre for Human
Rights and the School of Law, will bring
together leading human rights scholars
and activists to address the theme “The
human rights scholar/activist or activist/
scholar” and will also explore issues of human rights, archives
and memoralisation. The keynote speaker will be Prof. Sir Nigel
Rodley, Chairperson of the UN Human Rights Committee. All are
welcome to register for the event.
Throughout my three years in residence
in Galway, I enjoyed the support of the
Centre‘s extremely accomplished and
accessible faculty. I also benefitted
from being a part of a motivated
and dedicated student community.
The publications I amassed during
that time led to my first academic job, as a Lecturer in Law at the
University of Ulster in Northern Ireland. Later, when I returned to
the United States, my impending doctorate helped me to break
into academia at home. Thanks to my time at the Centre, I‘m now an Associate Professor
of Law at Florida International University in Miami where I teach,
research, and write on the topics I came to love in Galway. Despite
the distance, I remain linked to many of my former mentors and
colleagues. I consider myself immensely indebted to the Centre,
both for the doors it has opened and the wonderful people it has
brought into my life. PUBLICATIONS
For further information: humanrights@nuigalway.ie
Following this symposium the Attorney General of Ireland will
launch the Kevin Boyle Archive at the James Hardiman Library.
-MOF/TVA
BOOK LAUNCH
Judges, Law and War: The Judicial Development of
International Humanitarian Law
On the 16th of October 2014 at 5:30pm in the Irish Centre
for Human Rights (Seminar Room) a reception will be held to
launch the publication of Judges, Law and War: The Judicial
Development of International Humanitarian Law, (Cambridge
University Press, 2014) by Dr. Shane Darcy.
The book explores and analyses the formative role that
international courts and judicial bodies have played in the
development of international humanitarian law. It will look at the
contribution of judicial bodies to both the specific substantive
rules and principles of this body of law, as well to the ways in
which this corpus of laws is created, implemented and enforced.
-TVA
ALUMNI NEWS
Kamran Hashemi
After my PhD period in July 2007
I started lecturing human rights
and humanitarian law at School
of International Relations (SIR) in
Tehran and other Iranian universities.
I also published one book and several
articles in prestigious international
and Iranian journals on the subject
of human rights and Muslim legal
traditions. In August 2010 I was appointed as the Director of the
NAM Center for Human Rights and Cultural Diversity based in
Tehran.
During this period in cooperation with the Irish Centre for
Human Rights I coordinated several international human rights
academic events in different Iranian cities, in which many staff
and graduated students of the ICHR attended. On the 27th
of July 2014 I have been posted to Ankara as the legal officer
of Iranian Embassy and will stay in Turkey for two years more.
Burke, Roisin: Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by UN Military
Contingents. Moving Beyond the Current Status Quo and Responsibility
under International Law, Brill-Nijhoff, June 2014
Darcy, Shane: Judges, Law and War. The Judicial Development
of International Humanitarian Law, Cambridge University Press,
September 2014
Darcy, Shane: ‘The Principle of Legality at the Crossroad of Human
Rights and International Criminal Law’, The “Cross-Fertilisation”
Rhetoric in Question: Use and Abuse of the European Court’s
Jurisprudence by International Criminal Tribunals, Edge Hill University,
England, 13-14 June 2014 (Conference paper)
Higgins, Noelle, Badar and Amin: “Boko Haram, Islamic Law of
Rebellion and the ICC”, (2014) 3 International Human Rights Law
Review 1
Higgins, Noelle: “Advancing the Rights of Minorities and Indigenous
Peoples in the United Nations: Getting UN Attention via the Universal
Periodic Review”, (2014) 4 Netherlands Quarterly of Human Rights
Higgins, Noelle, Ní Uigín and McHale: “The Benefits of Student-led,
Peer-reviewed Journals in Introducing Students to the Academy”,
(2014) 91 Research in Education 1
O’Flaherty, Michael and Broecker, Christen: Policy Brief. The Outcome
of the General Assembly’s Treaty Body Strengthening Process:
An Important Milestone on a Longer Journey,
Universal Rights Group, June 2014
O’Flaherty, Michael: UN Treaty Bodies. The concluding observations
of United Nations human rights treaty bodies, in: The United Nations
System for Protecting Human Rights, Volume IV, Dinah Shelton (ed.),
Ashgate, July 2014
O’Flaherty, Michael: Strengthening UN treaty bodies: some modest
steps forward, at: OpenDemocracy, online at: http://goo.gl/bjFJJP
CONTACT DETAILS
Irish Centre for Human Rights
National University of Ireland,
University Road, Galway, Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)91-493948
Fax: +353 (0)91-494575 E-Mail: humanrights@nuigalway.ie
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