Alumni reflections at Human Rights Clinic Conference

For a group of Essex alumni, returning to campus this year was a chance to reflect on where their journeys in human rights began. Taking place during National Volunteers Week, the event also highlights the many ways alumni can stay connected to Essex after graduation.

Speaking at the annual Human Rights Centre Clinic Conference, they joined current students and staff to share how their time at Essex, and their involvement in the Clinic, helped shape the careers they have today.  Through the Clinic, undergraduate and postgraduate students at Essex are able to gain practical human rights experience through projects with NGOs, expert commissions, UN bodies, and local civil society organisations. As shared by several alumni at the conference, meaningful collaborations with these organisations and with each other continue long after graduation.

Sharing expertise

From international government and civil service to advocacy organisations and academia, the alumni represented a wide range of career paths with some joining online due to living overseas.

• Genta Suzuki (MA Theory and Practice of Human Rights, 2024), Gender Equality Bureau, Government of Japan 
• Zeynep Baysar (LLM International Human Rights Law, 2024), Research Officer, Countering Islamophobia, Essex Law School/Human Rights Centre 
• Adam Cripps (MA Theory and Practice of Human Rights, 2018; BA Politics with Human Rights, 2017), Senior Policy Advisor, UK Ministry of Justice
• Paddy Lawrance (LLM International Human Rights Law, 2020), Advisor, Human Rights Advocacy, Frontline AIDS
• Siân Posy (LLM International Human Rights Law, 2024; LLB Law with Human Rights, 2023), PhD Candidate, Sustainable Transitions, Essex Law School/Human Rights Centre
• Zuzanna Wojciak (LLM International Human Rights Law, 2023; LLB Law with Human Rights, 2022), AI Research and Program Coordinator, WITNESS

While their roles differ, their stories shared a common starting point, the Human Rights Centre Clinic. Alumni reflected on how the Clinic gave them the opportunity to work on real-world human rights projects, build practical skills and gain confidence in applying their knowledge beyond the classroom.

Today, they are applying those experiences in roles across the sector, translating what they learned at Essex into meaningful, real-world impact.

Inspiring the next generation of human rights practitioners

Throughout their talks, alumni encouraged current students to make the most of their time in the Clinic - to get involved and maintain connections both with organisations and each other.

Dr Sabina Garahan, Lecturer and Director of the Essex Human Rights Centre Clinic, said: “Welcoming Essex alumni at the Clinic Conference means that we are not just talking about the skills gained through Clinic projects in abstract terms – we are actually hearing from people who continue to apply those exceptional skills in practice. The insights our alumni can share are invaluable for current students planning their next steps after graduation.” 

Alumni interested in volunteering opportunities, such as guest speaking or sharing their career journey, can register their interest here.