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The latest writing on human rights, brought to you by the Talking Rights blog.
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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If International Human Rights Law was repealed, what could replace it?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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Third-Country National Victim’s Rights Should Not Be Separated From Considerations of Residence Situation
By Dionysia Kang. This piece examines Finland’s obligations towards third-country national victims of crimes, particularly in light of the stabbing in 2024 of Bangladeshi restaurant…
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France’s failure to comply with Articles 3 and 8 ECHR: Inadequate procedural safeguards for sexual violence in the workplace and a deficient legal framework for non-consensual sexual acts
By Samira Allioui. The ECtHR has recently found France’s legal framework on sexual violence to be lacking, emphasizing the need for a legal framework that…
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From Findings to Demands: The Legal Significance of the Genocide Report by the UN Commission of Inquiry
By Diego Sanchez-Borjas. On September 16, 2025, the COI released findings asserting Israel’s responsibility for failing to prevent genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The piece…
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Apartheid From South Africa to Palestine: South Africa’s Role in the Draft UN Treaty on Crimes Against Humanity
By Wendy Isaack. In this piece, Wendy Isaack connects South Africa’s Apartheid and the current situation in Palestine. The piece highlights the parallels and synergies,…
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Rolling Back Rights at Europe’s Borders: How the ECtHR is Shifting its Core Values
By Magdalena Kmak and Witold Klaus. The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) is increasingly prioritizing state sovereignty over individual rights concerning migration, influenced by…
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In Praise of the Process: Why Dashes and Commas Matter (Sometimes)
By Michel Rouleau-Dick. The blog post highlights the International Law Commission’s (ILC) pivotal role in shaping and clarifying international legal concepts amidst contemporary challenges. Despite…
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The Case of Palantir: The Underappreciated Multifaceted Human Rights Threat(s) of Subcontracting National Defence
By Kristof Heidemann. Democratic states are increasingly dependent on private companies like Palantir, jeopardizing national security and human rights. This dependency raises concerns, particularly regarding…
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Finland Banning Phones in Schools: Striking a Balance Between Right to Education and Digital Access on an Equal Basis for All
By Maija Mustaniemi-Laakso, Lisa Grans, and Elina Pirjatanniemi Finland is implementing a ban on mobile phone usage in schools to enhance student focus, effective from…
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Palestine Action: The Improper and Political Use of Counterterror Legislation against a Direct Action Group in the UK
By Camille Marquis Bissonnette. This post examines how UK authorities have used counterterror legislation against Palestine Action, a direct action group targeting Israeli arms manufacturers.…
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