Litigation
We are the UK’s leading interdisciplinary centre for the study of the theory and practice of
human rights, with a worldwide reputation for our research, teaching and practice. In February
2010, we were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in recognition of our work in advancing human
rights across the globe. This means members of our Centre have international standing both within
academia and within the global human rights community, so have litigated a number of notable
cases under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Notable cases
These include:
- Jersild v. Denmark
- Akdivar v. Turkey
- Aksoy v. Turkey
- Bankovic and others v. 17 NATO States also parties to the ECHR.
These cases have set important precedents and contributed greatly to the development of the
jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights in relation to the right to life, forced
disappearances, extra-judicial killings, rape and torture, and freedom of expression.
Members of our Centre have also undertaken litigation in UK courts, including the House of Lords.
Consultancies
Our Centre provides advice and consultancy services to numerous domestic and international governmental agencies, as well as non-governmental organisations like the International Committee of the Red Cross and Amnesty International.
Advocacy and training
Our Advocacy, Training and Education Programme provides a
structure for work in litigation and legal advocacy, human rights training and education. This builds on the experience of our members who
occupy prominent positions within the UN human rights system.
Conferences
Prestigious conferences and our renowned speaker series are a key part of life in our Centre. We encourage all our
students to take part, as this is a valuable way for you to hear the latest research and news in the field of human rights.
HRC Clinic
Our Human Rights Centre Clinic, established in 2009 with our School of Law, promotes human rights and
trains you to develop transferable employability skills that you can make good use of upon graduation.