2025

Legal Activism in Human Rights PhD Research

This year’s 1st and 2nd year PhD training will take place on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May 2025 at Leiden University.

The training is an exploration of the intersection between legal scholarship and activism within the field of human rights. Through a series of lectures, seminars, and discussions, participants will engage with leading academics and practitioners. The training will provide insights into how legal research can inform and support human rights activism, addressing both the opportunities and challenges that arise when scholars engage with advocacy. Participants will critically examine the role of legal frameworks in advancing human rights, discuss the ethical and methodological implications of activist-oriented research, and explore practical strategies for integrating activism into their academic work.

Beyond the formal sessions, the training offers a valuable opportunity for participants to meet fellow PhD researchers, exchange ideas, and build a network of colleagues working on similar topics.

Network Members are eligible reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs up to €120. Please tick the box in the registration form and you will get an e-mail with further instructions.

Details

Date: Thursday 22 May 2025 - Friday 23 May 2025

Location: Schouwburgstraat 2, The Hague

For more information, please contact Mark Klaassen or Elias Tissandier.

Programme

First Day - Thursday 22 May 2025

10:00 - 10:30 | Welcome and introduction

10:30 - 11:30 | On being active or being an activist: a modest typology

11:30 - 12:30 | The proliferation of children's rights in international human rights law

12:30 - 13:30 | Lunch break

13:30 - 14:30 | Of research questions, methodological choices and the position of the researcher: what makes research, advocacy or activist research?

14:30 - 15:30 | International investment law and human rights

15:30 - 15:45 | Tea Break

15:45 - 16:45 | Reconciling academic freedom with judicial and advisory neutrality

18:30 | Dinner

Second day - Friday 23 May 2025

09:30 - 11:30 | Brunch

11:30 - 13:00 | TBC

13:00 - 14:00 | Advising the government on human rights

14:00 - 15:00 | Safeguarding human rights in court, judicial activism or …?

15:00 - 15:15 | Tea Break

15:15 - 16:15 | Between scholarship and scholactivism: Polish and Hungarian lessons

16:15 - 16:45 | Reflections and Closing

A detailed programme overview can be found here.

Registration

Please register via this link.