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In an exemplary demonstration of academic engagement with global human rights issues, students from the Irish Centre for Human Rights at University of Galway have had the distinct honour of assisting Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, in her vital research. This collaboration contributed to the preparation of Albanese's fourth report, titled "Anatomy of Genocide," which was presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council on 26th March 2024.

The report illuminates the ongoing human rights challenges in Palestinian territories and is crucial for international human rights advocacy and policy-making. It explores the systemic structures affecting the human rights situation in the region and proposes actionable recommendations for the global community.

The team of students from the Irish Centre for Human Rights at University of Galway who assisted the Special Rapporteur is comprised of Debora Lacerda (LLM International Human Rights Law), Domenica Altamirano (LLM International Human Rights Law), Nadeen Yousef ( LLM International Human Rights Law), Kevin Clarke (LLM Peace Operations Humanitarian Law and Conflict), and Ramez Hayek (LLM Peace Operations Humanitarian Law and Conflict).

The involvement of our LLM students in this significant project underscores the Centre's commitment to hands-on learning and direct engagement in international human rights work. The Special Rapporteur invited the students specialising in International Human Rights Law and Peace Operations, Humanitarian Law, and Conflict to attend the report's presentation at the United Nations in Geneva. This unique opportunity extended beyond the presentation, allowing them to participate in meetings with civil society organisations and events with universities in Geneva, fostering a deeper understanding of international human rights advocacy.

This collaboration reflects the Centre's dedication to impactful human rights education and highlights the critical role academic institutions can play in addressing global challenges. The Centre is proud of its students' contributions to this landmark report and remains committed to supporting their development as future human rights leaders.

For more details on the "Anatomy of Genocide" report, click here.