In July 2023 Dr Thomas Bundschuh and Matthew Sands led the HKC's second United Nations Geneva Human Rights Field Project of SHU students to explore international human rights work. Eight postgraduate students took the opportunity to experience first-hand what human rights work entails in practice, both at the UN level and from the perspective of non-governmental human rights organisations (NGOs). At the UN headquarters in Geneva, the Palais des Nations, students witnessed the interventions of state parties and NGO representatives regarding racial discrimination during a session of the Human Rights Council. A meeting with the representative of the Permanent Mission of the UK in Geneva provided a deep look behind the scenes, demonstrating that a UN resolution may take a long way before it sees the light of the day at the Human Rights Council. And if it does at all, then not necessarily in its initial form. A visit to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum with interactive exhibits on global humanitarian action left a profound impression on students. At the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), students attended the dialogue meeting between the Swiss delegation and the Committee Against Torture. This experience at the UN was complemented by a meeting with representatives of the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), focusing on the so-called Mendez Principles and the torture prevention work of APT.
Students also gained insight into the advocacy work of other UN accredited NGOs, namely the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), the Food First International Action Network (FIAN) and Franciscans International (FI). These organisations build bridges between the various UN human rights fora and the people ‘on the ground’ in a wide range of different countries. Most importantly, students were able to meet the actual bridge builders themselves, the human rights practitioners Thomas and Matt had contacted in advance. Prior to our arrival in Geneva, the NGO representatives had kindly provided our students with details about selected projects and their related tasks as human rights advocates. Through this prior knowledge, students were able to put themselves in the position of professional human rights advocates, virtually walk in their shoes and, as a result, engage in very fruitful discussions. As one student remarked: “Participating in the tasks ahead of the meetings with these human rights advocates was really educative and insightful for me as it helped in covering more ground on the works of the NGOs and some serious pressing issues in the world. This also made our contribution and questions during the meetings very enlightening.”
As we met with the Africa Programme Coordinator of Franciscans International, students were able to realistically gauge the challenges associated with human rights advocacy ‘on the ground’ and the protection of vulnerable groups in countries as diverse as Cameroon, Mozambique and Madagascar. With the co-chair of FIAN Switzerland, students discussed the challenges of human rights interventions in alliance with other NGOs in the context of a pivotal human rights mechanism called Universal Periodic Review. Students also met a former human rights student of Thomas who had ended up working within the UN human rights mechanisms. Not surprisingly, students asked a lot of questions about his career in human rights. On the last day, the Geneva field project was rounded up with a very enjoyable picnic in a park bordering lake Geneva.
Here are some reflections of participants looking back on their Geneva experience:
Shannon Nicole: “I was inspired every day by the work being completed in Geneva, but I particularly enjoyed our meeting with the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT). I found the contents of this session, namely The Mendez Principles, to be a unique perspective on how criminals should be treated in police custody. This information was very relevant to my interest of pursuing a career in torture prevention and APT have encouraged me to look for roles in non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
In addition, our afternoon with Franciscans International (FI) was fascinating. Prior to this meeting I had not been exposed to the human rights issue of traditional infanticide. To learn how Franciscans International has educated communities to protect its children and stop engaging in harmful practices was extremely poignant.”
Rachael: “I lack enough words to express how the trip has impacted my understanding of the Human Rights Mechanisms of the United Nations; how the treaty bodies function and the enormous significance of NGO interactions with the UN. This trip has widened my thoughts on the possibilities of achieving an equitable environment for all devoid of all forms of discriminations and human rights violations (perpetrated by state parties to the relevant human rights treaties).”
Rosemary: “Participating in the human rights trip and attending meetings at the United Nations was a life-changing experience that has left an indelible impact on my perspective and understanding of the world.
Attending a meeting at the United Nations was a surreal experience, as it reinforced the significance of global collaboration in addressing human rights issues. The diversity of voices and perspectives in the room was a testament to the power of unity in seeking solutions to complex challenges. It was really captivating to see Dr. K.P. Ashwini, the newly appointed Special Rapporteur for Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance swift into action by requesting for inputs from countries on the subject matter.
Another significant aspect of the trip was meeting human rights activists from various countries, backgrounds and seeing how they are bound by the common goal of ensuring global change through human rights advocacy. Their passion and unwavering dedication to the cause of human rights were both inspiring and deeply moving. Listening to Mickael Repellin of Franciscans International narrate their stories of resilience in the face of adversity, the risks they took, and the challenges they encountered heightened my awareness of the immense struggles faced by countless human rights activists worldwide.
I am grateful to have participated in this field trip - this journey has strengthened my dedication to the cause of human rights and fuelled my determination to be a catalyst for positive change in the world.”
