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The latest writing on human rights, brought to you by the Talking Rights blog.
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Academic freedom as a human right – at the core of legal pluralism
In this second blog published as part of ‘academics and the resilience of law’ symposium, Anna-Sara Lind discusses academic freedom as a human right, and…
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One of These Things (Is Not Like The Others)
In this first blog under the theme ‘academics and the resilience of law’, Professor Thérèse Murphy unpacks how the usual trio of law, ethics and…
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Symposium: Academics and the resilience of law
In this blog, Viljam Engström introduces the second symposium celebrating the career of Professor Elina Pirjatanniemi, under the theme ‘Academics and the resilience of law’.
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The Democratic Socialists of America and the New Bill of Rights
The article discusses the enforceability of rights proposed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) within the U.S. legal framework, emphasising the need for clear,…
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Transposing the EU Directive 2024/1712: Finland’s Nuanced Definition of ‘Exploitation of Surrogacy’
The EU Directive 2024/1712 mandates Member States to criminalise surrogacy exploitation, prompting varied interpretations across nations. Finland’s proposal aims to distinctively address surrogacy, balancing national…
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Why the Belarusian Regime Continues to Persecute Former Political Prisoners Abroad
The Belarusian regime persecutes political prisoners both domestically and abroad, employing tactics that restrict access to essential documents and legal rights, impacting those fleeing persecution.…
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The Ban That Stops at the Border: Anti-Personnel Mine Withdrawals and the Reach of Human Rights Law
Between December 2025 and February 2026, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Poland withdrew from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines. While international law still imposes…
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A conversation with Elina Pirjatanniemi and Manfred Nowak
The blog introduces its inaugural podcast featuring Professor Pirjatanniemi and human rights expert Professor Manfred Nowak. They engage in an open discussion on themes such…
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Do social media bans breach children’s right to protest?
Countries worldwide are implementing social media bans for children to protect their mental health; however, these restrictions may limit children’s rights to political participation and…
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Congratulations Elina! (Part 2)
A collection of congratulatory messages from Elina’s colleagues, collaborators, students and friends.
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Human rights law in turbulent times: what role for the local level?
This blog emphasises the potential of local governments to foster a human rights culture, highlighting the significance of the European Urban Charter III in addressing…
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Education as Part of the Rule of Law Checklist
This blog post discusses revisions to the Venice Commission’s Rule of Law Checklist. The updates emphasise the role of legal and civic education, civil society,…
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Public International Law: Not Law? Not so International?
The international legal system as we know it is under increasing pressure. While change may be on the horizon, the importance of international law remains…
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If International Human Rights Law was repealed, what could replace it?
In this blog, Martin Scheinin explores, through a story, the tension between the many grounds that have been used to criticise international human rights law…
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International Law and Human Rights in Turbulent Times
This blog introduces the first symposium honouring Professor Elina Pirjatanniemi, on the theme of ‘International Law and Human Rights in Turbulent Times’.
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Congratulations, Elina!
Today we celebrate Professor Elina Pirjatanniemi’s sixtieth birthday, recognising her significant contributions to various fields of law and her leadership style that fosters a supportive…
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Book review: Children Protection and the European Court of Human Rights
The book “Children Protection and the European Court of Human Rights” examines the complexities surrounding children’s rights and protection systems, particularly in Norway. It analyses…
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Nicaragua: The Dictatorship the World Chose to Ignore
Nicaragua’s authoritarian regime, led by Ortega and Murillo, persists amid international indifference despite extensive human rights violations, including repression of dissent and dismantling democratic institutions.…
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Perpetual Repression: How Belarus Uses Forced Exile and Unresolved Criminal Status Against Former Political Prisoners
The article discusses how the release of political prisoners in Belarus, particularly after 2020, does not signify the end of state repression. Many are expelled…
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The Committee on Enforced Disappearances’ Decision on Mexico: Unpacking the Committee’s Competence under Article 34 of the Convention
On 2 April 2026, the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances addressed Mexico’s situation concerning enforced disappearances, urging the UN GA to implement measures for prevention…
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The new world order, value-based pragmatism and the forging of community interests
We are living in what could turn out to be a defining moment in global politics. As if the early 21st century state of consequent…
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The Climate Protection Paradox: When Bad Is Good and Good Is Bad?
Despite considerable progress in understanding when and how people displaced across borders in the context of climate change and disasters may be entitled to international…
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M.A. and others v. France: Critical Criminological and Postcolonial Reflections
By Ira Salo and Yulia Dergacheva. In this post, we examine the latest European Court of Human Rights (the Court)decision on sex work – M.…
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Will The Hague Really Look North? The ICC and EU Crimes Against Migrants
By Adrian Gjoshi. Europe and the International Criminal Court (ICC) stand at a pivotal moment. For the first time, EU migration policies and senior European…
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