Human Rights Centre

Pioneering the theory and practice of human rights from the local to the global

At the heart of our work is the interface between the theory and practice of human rights, conflict and acute crises. Our excellence in research and in education is defined by the application of theory to real human rights problems.

Through our research and practice, we influence and set human rights agendas and make concrete differences at the international, national and local level. Through our consultancies, we offer a leading voice on how to address a range of human rights issues. Through our education, we produce the next generation of human rights defenders throughout the world.

We strategically identify enduring and emerging human rights challenges and play a leadership role in responding to these challenges through education, research and impact activities. We do this through close relationships with our alumni and extensive practitioner network to ensure that we are working on issues that are a priority and of direct relevance to beneficiaries such as victims of human rights violations, governments, NGOs and international organisations.

Beyond our expertise within disciplines, we play an intellectual and practical leadership role in defining what is meant by interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research, impact and education in human rights and developing a distinctive interdisciplinary identity in human rights at Essex.

Through the Law School and contributing departments, Essex offers a collaborative and transformational education in the theory and practice of human rights within disciplines and from an interdisciplinary perspective. Our education provides students with a deep and critical knowledge of human rights and their application in practice, providing them with unparalleled preparation for entry or return to human rights academia or practice.

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