Just Access

🌍 Episode Summary:In this episode of the Just Access Podcast, Dr. Miranda Melcher sits down with Professor Elisa Morgera to explore the critical intersections between climate change and human rights. As the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change, Professor Morgera provides a deep dive into her role, the challenges of addressing climate change through a human rights lens, and the need for stronger collaboration between legal, environmental, and scientific communities.Key topics include:✅ What it means to be a UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change✅ How climate change is a human rights crisis and why human rights law should guide climate action✅ The role of the UN Human Rights Council in shaping global climate justice efforts✅ Collaboration between different Special Rapporteurs and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches✅ Why access to climate information and public participation are essential for fair climate policies✅ The psychological impacts of climate change, including eco-anxiety and climate grief💡 “Climate change is shaping our lives and well-being daily. Human rights are not just an add-on to climate action—they are essential for effective, fair, and meaningful responses.” – Professor Elisa Morgera📢 Next Episode Teaser:This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for Part 2, where Professor Morgera dives even deeper into the legal frameworks guiding climate action, national adaptation plans, and how communities can ensure their rights are upheld in climate policies.🔔 Don’t miss out! Subscribe and follow Just Access Podcast for more insightful conversations on human rights and justice.📩 Get in Touch:📧 Email us: podcast@just-access.de🌍 Visit our website: just-access.de💬 Follow us on social media & share your thoughts!💙 Support Our Work:Just Access is a non-profit dedicated to promoting human rights and justice. If you believe in our mission, consider making a donation at just-access.de/donate. Every contribution helps us continue our work!

In this episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher continues her insightful discussion with Amy Rose, the Global Director of Litigation, Governance, and Legal Services at ClientEarth. Amy shares her expertise on the evolving landscape of climate litigation, the challenges of systemic change, and the innovative strategies used to address the world’s most pressing environmental issues.From groundbreaking human rights cases to biodiversity protection and sustainable food systems, Amy reveals the intricate processes behind ClientEarth’s work and highlights the role of strategic litigation in creating impactful change. The conversation also touches on gaps in access to justice and the inspiring role of younger generations in driving environmental advocacy.Key Topics Covered: • The current state and future of climate litigation (01:37) • Strategic litigation beyond climate: tackling biodiversity loss, marine ecosystems, and sustainable food systems (07:18) • The importance of collaboration and systems thinking in ClientEarth’s approach (09:16) • Navigating challenges in standing, causation, and extraterritoriality in litigation (17:00) • Access to justice gaps in the EU’s state aid system (23:00) • Inspiring hope: the role of younger generations in environmental advocacy (26:12)Call to Action:If you’re inspired by Amy’s work and want to support access to justice and environmental advocacy, consider donating to Just Access by visiting just-access.de/donate. Every contribution helps us continue our mission to make human rights effective for all.Connect With Us: • Follow us on social media and share this episode with your friends. • Email us your feedback or topic suggestions at podcast@just-access.de. • Don’t forget to leave a review on your favorite podcast app – we’d love to hear your thoughts

In this episode of the Just Access Podcast, host Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Amy Rose, the Global Director of Litigation, Governance, and Legal Services at ClientEarth. ClientEarth is a world-leading environmental organization that uses the law to tackle pressing environmental challenges.In this first part of their conversation, Amy shares her journey into law—from her beginnings in political science to her global career in litigation, including her impactful work at ClientEarth. They explore: • The evolution of Amy’s career, from commercial litigation to environmental advocacy. • The power of strategic litigation as a tool for systemic change. • Why broad legal experience is valuable for addressing complex challenges. • Amy’s advice for aspiring human rights defenders and environmental advocates.💡 Key takeaway: Strategic litigation is a high-leverage tool to protect the environment and enforce the rule of law, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle in the fight for justice.🎧 Don’t miss Part 2, where Amy and Miranda discuss the state of strategic litigation today and the gaps in access to justice. Hit follow to stay updated!📩 Contact us: podcast@just-access.de🌍 Support us: just-access.de/donate

Show Notes: Just Access Podcast, Season 3 Launch (Part 2)In this special episode of the Just Access Podcast, host Dr. Miranda Melcher dives into inspiring conversations with Dr. Tom Sparks, Director of Just Access, and Cvetanka Kiroska, Head of Projects. This episode continues the Season 3 launch in celebration of International Human Rights Day and the podcast's second anniversary.Highlights of the Episode:1.    Cvetanka Kiroska’s JourneyGrowing up during Yugoslavia's turbulent collapse and finding refuge in literature, music, and languages.Her path from translating and interpreting to working on conflict resolution and multi-ethnic education projects in Macedonia.Eye-opening experiences in international human rights, including working with families of missing persons in the Balkans and NGOs assisting refugees.Joining Just Access and shaping the organization’s impactful projects.2.    Dr. Tom Sparks’ Path to LeadershipFrom participating in mock trials as a teen to studying law and specializing in international law.His advocacy journey with Amnesty International, learning human rights governance, and leading impactful initiatives.Transitioning from academia to Just Access to combine legal expertise with practical human rights work.3.    Behind the Scenes of the PodcastThe origin story of the Just Access Podcast and the creative process behind its production.Insights into the team’s vision: amplifying human rights stories and inspiring everyone to be a defender of justice.Challenges and rewards of launching a podcast from scratch.4.    Dream GuestsGuests they aspire to feature, including global leaders like UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türck, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, and activist Omar Alshogre.Highlighting the importance of showcasing both prominent figures and everyday heroes advocating for justice.5.    Just Access in ActionThe organization's three pillars: Strategic Litigation, Advocacy, and Education.Dr. Sparks shares how the podcast is central to educating and inspiring listeners worldwide.Ways to get involved: internships, volunteering, donations, and more. Get InvolvedInspired by this episode? Here’s how you can support Just Access:Share the podcast with friends and on social media.Explore the blog and other resources on Just Access's website.Volunteer or donate to support human rights and access to justice.🎙️ Tune in, Subscribe, and Support:Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app and let us know your thoughts at podcast@just-access.de. Together, let’s make a difference—because you too can be a human rights defender!

🔔 Episode Summary:Welcome to Season 3 of Just Access! As we celebrated our two-year anniversary and International Human Rights Day, we bring you a special two-part episode exploring the mission and origins of Just Access. In this first part, host Dr. Miranda Melcher sits down with Dr. Mark Somos, the founder of Just Access and a leading figure in human rights law.Mark shares his powerful journey: from a childhood in communist Hungary marked by poverty, resistance, and secret acts of solidarity, to an inspiring career advising governments, winning landmark human rights cases, and founding Just Access. Through personal stories and professional insights, Mark reflects on the lifelong importance of human rights and access to justice.We also discuss the role of the podcast in furthering Just Access’s mission — empowering everyone to be a human rights defender — and Mark shares a dream list of potential guests whose voices could amplify these conversations. From global leaders to innovative scholars, his list inspires us to think big about the future of human rights.🔑 Key Topics Discussed: • Mark’s upbringing in communist Hungary and how human rights shaped his early life. • The experiences and activism that led to the founding of Just Access in 2020. • Why a podcast became part of Just Access’s vision to reach new audiences and foster collaboration. • Dream guests for future episodes — from Aung San Suu Kyi to experts on climate change, international law, and technology. • Mark’s reflections on raising the next generation of human rights defenders.🌟 Guest Bio:Dr. Mark Somos is the founder of Just Access and a Heisenberg Professor at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law. A lawyer, scholar, and human rights advocate, Mark has represented clients before the International Court of Justice, the UN Human Rights Council, and other global forums. He is the author of five books and over 60 scholarly articles.🎧 Tune In Next Time:In part two of this special, Dr. Miranda Melcher will be joined by Just Access’s current director, Dr. Tom Sparks, and Cvetanka Kiroska, Head of Projects, to discuss where the organization and podcast are heading next.📢 Follow & Support Us: • Website: Just Access • Subscribe to the podcast on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/Your Preferred Platform] • Follow us on social media: [Twitter/LinkedIn/Facebook/Bluesky/Mastodon/Instagram/TikTok]🎤 Have Feedback or Suggestions?We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at: contact@just-access.de 💰You can also support us by donating at: https://just-access.de/donate/

In this insightful continuation of our conversation with Bora Un and Anna Schroeder from Art Works Projects (AWP), we delve deeper into the organization’s impactful work in human rights storytelling. Building on the foundation set in the previous episode, we explore their current projects, collaborative processes, and lessons learned from years of advocacy through visual storytelling.Key Highlights:Current Projects at AWP: Bora and Anna share updates on AWP’s latest initiatives, including their collaborations with photographers and storytellers tackling global issues such as migration, forced displacement, and cultural preservation.Collaborative Storytelling: insights into how AWP fosters meaningful partnerships with communities, photographers, and global networks to amplify underrepresented voices in human rights narratives.Measuring Impact: Anna explains how AWP uses tools like community feedback and mentorship programs to evaluate the social and personal impact of their projects on both audiences and collaborators.Lessons Learned: Reflections on the challenges and successes encountered in their mission to create change through visual advocacy.Why Listen?This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of art, advocacy, and impact. Learn how AWP empowers storytellers and communities alike while driving awareness on pressing human rights issues.Links & Resources:   •   Art Works Projects: artworksprojects.org   •   Emerging Lens Fellowship Program: artworksprojects.org/emerging-lensSupport the Podcast:Enjoy the episode? Don’t forget to rate, share, and recommend it! You can also support us by donating at: https://just-access.de/donate/Let us know your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more conversations on storytelling and justice!

In this episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher sits down with Bora Un, the Managing Director, and Anne Schroeter, the Impact Consultant, from Art Works Project (AWP), a nonprofit dedicated to visual advocacy and human rights storytelling. Bora and Anne share their passion for visual storytelling as a tool for change and provide insights into how AWP works on various impactful projects.Key Highlights::Introduction to Art Works Project (AWP): Bora and Anne explain the mission of AWP, which produces high-impact human rights campaigns through various forms of visual storytelling, including photography exhibitions, interactive websites, and large-scale public installations.Human Rights Through Visual Storytelling: Bora discusses how AWP’s storytelling campaigns tackle global human rights issues such as forced displacement, immigration, and migration, with particular focus on the U.S. context and sanctuary cities.Emerging Lens Fellowship Program: Bora explains how AWP fosters emerging storytellers from within the communities they aim to highlight, creating opportunities for long-term partnerships and professional development in the documentary field.Current and Future Projects: Bora and Anne give an overview of AWP’s ongoing projects, including collaborations with photographers like Oscar Castillo and Will Sands on deportation and migration, as well as a cultural preservation project by rising star Astrig Agopian.Strategic Decision-Making at AWP: Bora elaborates on AWP’s decision-making process when selecting project focuses, balancing thematic relevance, social impact, and resource capacity. She also discusses how AWP measures impact through collaboration with communities, photographers, and global networks.The Role of Impact Assessment: Anne delves into AWP’s approach to assessing the impact of its projects, using tools like surveys, community feedback, and the mentorship of emerging photographers to ensure both the personal and social benefits of their work.Key Takeaways:   •   AWP emphasizes long-term relationships with collaborators, photographers, and affected communities.   •   Visual storytelling can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and creating change in human rights issues.   •   AWP’s work goes beyond traditional documentary filmmaking to include mentorship, field guides, and best practices for other storytellers.   •   Impact is not just about how the audience receives the work, but also how it contributes to the careers of photographers and the communities involved.In the next episode, we’ll continue our conversation with Bora and Anne, diving deeper into specific projects and how AWP’s approach to collaboration and storytelling is improving access to justice worldwide.Links & Resources:   •   Art Works Project: https://www.artworksprojects.org/   •   The Prosecutors Documentary: https://www.artworksprojects.org/our-work/the-prosecutors/   •   Emerging Lens Fellowship Program: https://www.artworksprojects.org/emerging-lens/  Enjoy listening!Don’t forget to rate us, recommend us and share on social media! Support the podcast by donating here: https://just-access.de/donate/

In this episode, our host, Dr. Miranda Melcher, speaks with Dana Rösiger, a talented photographer and human rights advocate, who collaborates with NGO’s like DISCOVER FOOTBALL, Equal Playing Field or Women Win, fighting for a world in which girls and women can do sports without being discriminated against. Dana shares her unique perspective on documenting human rights issues through photography and the powerful role that visual storytelling plays in advocating for justice.Dana’s work brings the stories of those affected by human rights abuses to a broader audience, illuminating the realities faced by vulnerable communities. In her conversation with Dr. Melcher, Dana discusses the challenges and responsibilities of capturing sensitive subjects, her creative process, and how photography can be a vital tool in raising awareness and inspiring change.Why Listen?Tune in to gain insight into the world of human rights photography, learn how images can drive advocacy, and understand the impact of storytelling on justice and public perception.Key Highlights:• The Power of Photography in Human Rights Advocacy: Dana describes the emotional and societal impact of her work and how photographs can convey complex issues to the public, prompting empathy and action.• Challenges in Documenting Sensitive Topics: Dana discusses the ethical and logistical challenges she faces in her work, especially when photographing subjects in vulnerable situations. She also explains how she ensures that her work respects the dignity and privacy of those she captures.• Connecting with Audiences through Visual Storytelling: Dana and Dr. Melcher explore the ways in which photography can bridge gaps in understanding and make human rights issues more relatable and urgent for a global audience.Additional Information:• Learn More about Dana Rösiger here: https://www.danaroesiger.com/profil/Keywords: Human Rights Photography, Visual Storytelling, Advocacy, Just Access e.V., Human Rights Documentation, Photography Ethics, Justice, Empathy in Photography.Enjoy listening!Don’t forget to rate us, recommend us, and share this episode to spread the word about the power of photography in human rights advocacy.Enjoy listening!Don’t forget to rate us, recommend us and share on social media! Support the podcast by donating here: https://just-access.de/donate/

In this episode, our host, Dr. Melcher, is joined by Dr. Christopher Robertson, a professor at Boston University, and Dr. Louise King, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Together they explore groundbreaking research recently published by these two co-authors in the Emory Law Journal. The article, titled "Structural Sex Discrimination: Why Gynecology Patients Suffer Avoidable Injuries and What the Law Can Do About It", delves into the systemic challenges and legal implications faced by gynecology patients.They discuss their motivations for researching this topic, their main findings, and the shocking realities faced by gynecology patients. The conversation highlights actionable steps listeners can take to contribute to solving these issues.Why Listen?Tune in to learn more about structural discrimination in gynecology and the legal strategies that can lead to better healthcare outcomes for all.Key Highlights:   •   The inspiration behind the article and why gynecology patients often face avoidable injuries.   •   Insights into the systemic discrimination within gynecology and how legal frameworks can evolve to offer better protection and care.   •   Personal experiences shared by Dr. Louise King on how these issues impact her work and the broader medical community.Additional Information:   •   Read the Full Article: Published in 2024 in the Emory Law Journal here: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4800783, or here: https://scholarship.law.bu.edu/faculty_scholarship/3797/Keywords: Structural Sex Discrimination, Gynecology Patients, Avoidable Injuries, Legal Frameworks, Human Rights Advocacy, Access to Justice, Health Policy, Emory Law Journal, Medical Discrimination.Enjoy listening!Don’t forget to rate us, recommend us and share on social media! Support the podcast by donating here: https://just-access.de/donate/