Essex Human Rights Centre

16/04/2026

Essex research has helped to shape a new UN report that highlights how decriminalising drugs could help reduce HIV transmission and improve public health worldwide.

The guidance, informed by Essex Human Rights Centre's Julie Hannah, shows how punitive laws can increase harm, while offering a practical roadmap for governments to take action.

08/04/2026

The University of Essex School of Law and Human Rights Centre invite you to a one hour session exploring how international law is used to hold states accountable, with a focus on arbitrary detention, ecocide, and housing and social rights in Latin America. The discussion brings together UN human rig...

02/04/2026

01/04/2026

International Law in Armed Conflict – Applications now open!
The Essex Human Rights Centre, in partnership with the Essex Armed Conflict and Crisis Hub, is now accepting applications for an intensive short course on International Law in Armed Conflict.
This in‑person programme is designed for professionals, postgraduate students and practitioners working across humanitarian, human rights, government and international sectors.

Course details
📅 3–7 August 2026
📍 In person, University of Essex, Colchester Campus
🎓 Certificate issued by the Essex Human Rights Centre

The course is taught by leading practitioners in international human rights and armed conflict law. Participants will:

♦️ learn the core legal principles and frameworks regulating armed conflict
♦️ explore the practical challenges of implementing these rules
♦️ understand the law governing the conduct of hostilities, including distinction, proportionality and the use of weapons
♦️ gain insight into protections for detainees, civilians in occupied territory and other affected populations

♦️ Examine legal frameworks protecting refugees and internally displaced persons
♦️ understand accountability mechanisms at national and international levels
♦️ consider emerging and future challenges, including cyber operations and artificial intelligence

Why join?
This course offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from experienced practitioners while building practical knowledge relevant to today’s complex conflict environments.

👉 Explore the course and book your place:

The Essex Human Rights Centre presents a four day practical development course, taught by leading practitioners in the field of international Human Rights and Armed Conflict. The International Law in Armed Conglict course will be held in person at our Colchester campus, over four days from Tuesday 3...

31/03/2026

Huge congratulations to Oliver Goldsmith, Kubra Ozdemir and Sawyer Wright, LLM students in International Human Rights Law at the University of Essex, who represented the Essex Human Rights Centre at the 49th edition of the Jean‑Pictet Competition.

The team demonstrated outstanding legal skill, teamwork and resilience in this intensive international humanitarian law training. We are especially proud that Oliver Goldsmith received a special individual award, recognising his exceptional performance during the competition. 👏

Read more in our latest blog post: https://hrcessex.wordpress.com/2026/03/27/essex-human-rights-llm-team-gives-a-stellar-performance-at-the-49th-edition-of-the-jean-pictet-competition/

30/03/2026

📢 Last chance to apply!
Applications are still open for the Human Rights Leadership Lab – but not for long!

📅 21, 22, 28 April and 5, 12, 19 May 2026

✅ Acquire new leadership strategies, skills and tools
✅ Build a healthier and more sustainable working environment
✅ Be empowered to lead more mindfully and conduct impactful human rights work
✅ Grow your community and network with like-minded human rights professionals

Don’t miss your chance – applications close soon!
👉 Apply now:

The Essex Human Rights Centre presents a live online course for Human Rights Leaders. This is a practical professional development course, comprising six four-hour modules.

18/03/2026

Taught in cohorts of no more than 11 people, the Human Rights Leadership Lab is a supportive and reflective learning space to develop your leadership presence, skills and impact.

The course will address the following themes:
 Values-Based Leadership & Organisational Culture
 Leadership Styles & Emotional Intelligence Framework
 Coaching to Empower, Inspire & Motivate
 Open Space Leadership Lab Work
 Leading Yourself & Others Doing Human Rights Work
 Self-Leadership & Self-Care

Limited spaces are available:

The Essex Human Rights Centre presents a live online course for Human Rights Leaders. This is a practical professional development course, comprising six four-hour modules.

06/03/2026

Join the HRInAsia Conference team tomorrow for the first of three events! Not to be missed, join in person and online!

https://www.essex.ac.uk/centres-and-institutes/human-rights/events/human-rights-in-asia-conference

05/03/2026

Essex Law graduate, Kola Alapinni, who has successfully overturned a death sentence in Nigeria, has been recognised for his achievements at the Study UK - British Council Alumni Awards.

Kola won this year's Social Action Award in Nigeria for his significant contributions, which have seen him also save countless lives through his advocacy work.

05/03/2026

Yesterday, colleagues from Essex Law School and Essex Human Rights Centre, Jessica Lawrence, Anil Yilmaz and Geoff Gilbert visited UNHCR headquarters in Geneva to take part in discussions on business, finance and forced displacement.

This visit highlights Essex Law School’s ongoing commitment to human rights, international law and real-world impact.

05/03/2026

Do you want to strengthen your leadership for Human Rights impact?

Comprising of six four-hour modules and delivered in an online interactive format in April/May 2026, the Human Rights Leadership Lab is the ideal professional development course.

What you’ll gain:
 Individual and organisational strategies for leading in complex human rights environments
 Practical tools to further develop your leadership style
 Enhanced emotional intelligence through greater self-awareness and self-reflection
 Confidence to empower, motivate and support staff using a coaching approach

Apply now:

The Essex Human Rights Centre presents a live online course for Human Rights Leaders. This is a practical professional development course, comprising six four-hour modules.

01/03/2026

Applications are now open! Join the Essex Human Rights Online Summer School from Monday 22 June to Friday 3 July 2026.

This live online programme (delivered via Zoom) covers a wide range of topics linked to human rights research and professional practice — including research methods, advocacy and campaigning strategies, and professional development. Sessions run Monday to Friday, 1pm to 4.30pm BST.

Find out more and apply here: https://www.essex.ac.uk/short-courses/human-rights-summer-school