Just Access

In this powerful first part of our conversation, Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Professor Dr. Chidi Oguamanam—legal scholar, researcher, and global voice on sustainable bio-innovation, indigenous knowledge systems, and knowledge governance. Professor Oguamanam explores how intellectual property law is fundamentally an access to justice issue, drawing on his lived experience in rural Africa, his legal career, and academic work across law, science, and ethics.Together, they unpack the conceptual divide between Western and indigenous models of knowledge production, the role of intellectual property in reinforcing inequality, and why recognizing traditional knowledge is essential for a fairer global system. The episode also highlights the significance of the 2024 WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge—a landmark step toward greater inclusion and accountability.🧠 Key Topics Covered:The interconnection between rural agriculture, biodiversity, and lawKnowledge governance as a human rights issueThe limitations of traditional IP frameworks in recognizing indigenous knowledgeThe symbolic and practical impact of the 2024 WIPO treatyConceptual divides between commercial and communal approaches to knowledgeJustice and inclusion in global innovation systems🔗 Resources:Learn more about Just AccessRead about the WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources and Traditional KnowledgeContact us at: podcast@just-access.de💡 Support Our Work:If you believe in accessible justice and the power of human rights education, consider supporting Just Access.👉 Donate here🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into community benefit sharing, indigenous legal traditions, and global governance reform.

In this episode of the Just Access podcast, host Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Luca Brocca, a master’s student in European Studies at KU Leuven and a long-time member of Just Access. Luca discusses his journey from academic theory to impactful practice in the human rights field through his work with Just Access.Luca has worn many hats in the organization over the past two years: from legal intern to blog author, to Just Access representative to the UNCAC Coalition (UN Convention against Corruption), and formerly to the OSCE Network. He shares insights into what these roles actually involve—from participating in working group meetings and multistakeholder projects, to contributing legal analysis on anti-corruption and global food security.Together, they explore Luca’s recent blog post analyzing the European Court of Human Rights’ major ruling on Italy’s environmental failures in the Terra dei Fuochi case. The judgment not only addresses state obligations under Article 2 (right to life), but also signals a broader shift in climate and environmental litigation in Europe.🌍 Topics Covered:Luca’s evolving roles at Just Access, from intern to international representativeThe value of bridging human rights theory with legal action and communicationWhat it means to represent an NGO at UNCAC and OSCE forumsAn in-depth look at the Terra dei Fuochi case and its significanceHow strategic litigation is influencing European human rights jurisprudenceRelated climate and environmental cases to follow at the ECtHR👤 Guest Bio:Luca Brocca is a master’s student at KU Leuven, specializing in EU external relations, space law, and security. At Just Access, he serves as the representative to the UNCAC Coalition, contributes legal blogs, and works closely with the strategic litigation team. His earlier role with the OSCE Network focused on global food security and inspired his undergraduate thesis.🔗 Links & Resources:Luca’s blog post on the Terra dei Fuochi caseUNCAC CoalitionOSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic InstitutionsFollow Just Access on Twitter💬 Join the Conversation:If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review, share it on social media, and send your thoughts to podcast@just-access.de.❤️ Support Just Access:We’re a nonprofit working to promote human rights and legal accountability. Help us continue our work by donating at just-access.de/donate.

In Part 2 of our compelling conversation, Professors Jane Bailey and Valerie Steeves continue to unpack the complex realities of surveillance, privacy, and children’s rights in the digital age. Building on their extensive research and advocacy through The eQuality Project, they explore how tech design, gender, and systemic bias intersect in online environments—and what it means for youth today.Together, we examine:The myth of the “neutral” internetHow tech platforms design for profit—not protectionThe ongoing struggle to foreground children’s dignity and agencyWhy meaningful privacy rights require cultural and structural changeWhether you’re a parent, educator, policymaker, or digital rights advocate, this episode offers eye-opening insights into how we can push for safer, more inclusive digital futures.🔗 Links & Resources:The eQuality Project: https://www.equalityproject.caPart 1 of this interview: https://shows.acast.com/6666be8ab6f3d900125875e8🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.💬 Got feedback or questions? Reach out on social media or visit our website at https://just-access.de/

In this second part of our conversation with the Just Access Strategic Litigation team, Dr. Miranda Melcher continues her in-depth discussion with Dr. Tom Sparks and Dr. Lucas Sanchez about Just Access’s groundbreaking communication to four UN Special Rapporteurs. The communication addresses critical gaps in Germany’s climate change adaptation policies, specifically regarding children’s rights and the inclusion of human rights-based frameworks.This episode dives deep into:Why Just Access chose this case and what makes it strategically importantHow this communication fits into Just Access’s broader mission of improving access to justice for socioeconomic and environmental rightsThe function of UN Special Rapporteurs and how this international legal mechanism worksThe innovative and collaborative process behind building this communicationWhat outcomes Just Access hopes for—from influencing German policy to inspiring global actionTom and Lucas share insights into the surprising gaps in adaptation-focused human rights litigation, the under-recognized vulnerabilities of children in climate policy, and how strategic litigation can ignite systemic change.🧠 Key Takeaways:Adaptation is lagging behind mitigation in international legal responses to climate change—this case aims to change that.Germany, though relatively advanced in adaptation efforts, lacks sufficient human rights safeguards—especially for children—in its strategies.Strategic litigation can create ripple effects across jurisdictions and empower other organisations to take similar action.Everyone has a role to play—whether through donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.🛠️ Want to Help?✅ Donate: Support our work at just-access.de🤝 Volunteer: We’re always looking for dedicated people with legal or advocacy skills📣 Spread the Word: Share this episode, talk about adaptation, and follow us on social media📬 Get in Touch: podcast@just-access.de

In this powerful episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher is joined by Dr. Tom Sparks (Director of Just Access) and Dr. Lucas Sanchez (Head of Strategic Litigation at Just Access) for the first part of a two-part conversation exploring the intersection of climate change adaptation, children’s rights, and international law.Together, they break down a groundbreaking communication that Just Access is submitting to multiple UN Special Rapporteurs, challenging Germany’s approach to climate adaptation for its failure to adequately protect children.You’ll learn:🌍 The difference between climate change mitigation and adaptation⚖️ Why children are disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of climate change📜 How Germany’s current laws fall short from a human rights perspective👶 Why a children’s rights-based approach is essential in climate adaptation🌐 The potential global impact of this first-ever international communication on adaptationThis is the first international effort to set human rights precedents for climate adaptation, building on the momentum of existing climate litigation around mitigation. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in climate justice, human rights law, or strategic litigation.👉 Part 2 of this conversation will dive into the legal mechanics of the communication process and what outcomes Just Access hopes to see. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!📢 Get Involved:Help us spread awareness and demand better climate protections for children. Share this episode and learn more about how you can be a human rights defender: https://just-access.de/donate💌 Contact Us:We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions! Email us at: podcast@just-access.de🎧 Listen now on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

🎙️ Host: Dr. Miranda Melcher🎙️ Guest: Professor Elisa Morgera, UN Special Rapporteur on Climate ChangeIn this second part of our conversation with Professor Elisa Morgera, we dive deeper into the intersection of climate change and human rights, particularly focusing on the vulnerability of children. We also explore:🌍 How industries contribute to climate change and the role of regulation👶 The specific human rights challenges children face due to climate change📜 The UN Special Rapporteur’s communication procedures and how individuals can raise concerns💡 How listeners can engage in human rights advocacy and researchIf you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out for a broader introduction to Professor Morgera’s work.🔗 Get in touch: Share your thoughts or suggest future topics at podcast@just-access.de💙 Support our work: Donate at just-access.de/donate⭐ Rate & Review: If you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a review—it helps spread the word!🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation on human rights and climate justice!

🌍 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