Just Access

🎧 Episode OverviewIn this episode, Dr Miranda Melcher speaks with Mossaad Mohamed, a human rights lawyer, conflict resolution specialist, and Executive Director of the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS). Mossaad shares his personal journey into human rights work and the experiences in Darfur that shaped his commitment to fighting for justice.Mossaad explains ACJPS's work documenting human rights violations and international crimes in Sudan, pursuing strategic litigation, and advocating at national, regional, and international levels. He discusses the organization's work with UN mechanisms, including the Human Rights Council, and its efforts to ensure that violations are documented for future accountability.The conversation focuses particularly on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Sudan and the joint submission by ACJPS and Just Access. Mossaad explains why the UPR is important and examines what has—and has not—changed since Sudan's previous review in 2021.The discussion also explores the dramatic deterioration of Sudan's human rights situation since the outbreak of war in April 2023, including torture, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, sexual and gender-based violence, child recruitment, and attacks on peaceful protesters.Finally, Mossaad reflects on what needs to happen next, identifying an end to the war as the most urgent priority and emphasizing the importance of continued documentation, advocacy, and accountability for those responsible for atrocities.👤 Guest BioMossaad MohamedHuman rights lawyer and conflict resolution specialist.Executive Director of the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) since 2015.Has worked on human rights and access to justice since the early 2000s, including in Darfur.Works on documenting human rights violations and international crimes, strategic litigation, and advocacy at national, regional, and international levels.ACJPS is a partner of Just Access in efforts to strengthen accountability and access to justice for victims and survivors in Sudan.📚 Resources & LinksJust Access Podcast homepage – https://just-access.de/podcastDonate / support Just Access – https://just-access.de/donateContact the show – podcast@just-access.deAfrican Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS)UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR)🗒️ Key Take-AwaysDocumenting violations is essential for future prosecutions and accountability.Strategic litigation can help challenge unjust laws and promote institutional reform.The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) provides an important mechanism for monitoring and addressing human rights concerns in Sudan.Many recommendations made during Sudan's 2021 UPR have not been implemented, while the human rights situation has dramatically deteriorated since 2023.Ending the war is an urgent priority for reducing further violations and creating conditions for accountability.Individuals and organizations can contribute through advocacy, documentation, and financial or logistical support for those working to protect human rights and pursue justice in Sudan.📢 Call to ActionSubscribe to the Just Access Podcast to receive future episodes.Share this episode with colleagues and networks interested in Sudan, international criminal law, and human rights.Leave a review on your preferred podcast platform to help others discover the show.Support Just Access's work by donating at https://just-access.de/donate.Everyone can be a human rights defender.

In this episode of the Just Access Podcast, host Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Alexa Magee, a human rights and international criminal law practitioner supporting Just Access’s work on Sudan. They discuss the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the devastating impact on Sudanese civilians, and why documenting violations committed by the SAF is a particular focus of the Just Access project.Alexa explains how the project works with survivors to document their experiences and submit individual cases to UN human rights mechanisms, while also identifying broader patterns of violations that can support future accountability efforts. The conversation explores the importance of survivor protection, strategic litigation, and building a credible record of violations that can be used when opportunities for legal accountability arise. The episode also highlights the vital role of Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) — grassroots, community-led networks that have stepped in to provide humanitarian assistance and essential services following the collapse of state services. Alexa discusses Just Access's advocacy for their recognition and protection, including their inclusion in future peace processes.Finally, Alexa discusses some of the innovative legal arguments emerging from survivor testimonies, including efforts to strengthen protections for mothers experiencing gender-based violence, Sudanese tribal communities, and older persons.In this episode, we discuss:The scale of the humanitarian crisis in SudanDocumenting violations committed against survivorsSubmissions to UN human rights mechanismsPatterns of violations and strategic litigationSurvivor protection and supportThe role of Emergency Response RoomsExpanding legal protections through survivor testimonyLong-term pathways towards accountabilityHow listeners can support and collaborate with the Sudan projectGet involved:If you are interested in collaborating with or supporting Just Access's work on Sudan, contact contact@just-access.de or visit the Just Access Sudan Project page.

In this episode of the Just Access Podcast, we continue our conversation with Paula Vargas, Associate at the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT) in Bogotá, where she leads the organisation’s transitional justice work in Colombia and Latin America.Paula discusses her work at IFIT, a think tank and NGO supporting countries moving from conflict to peace and from authoritarian rule to democracy. She explains how IFIT combines research, expert networks, policy advice, and practical support to help local actors address complex challenges related to peacebuilding and transitional justice.The conversation explores how international expertise can support local peace processes without imposing external solutions. Paula reflects on why comparative experiences are most useful when they provide lessons, questions, and options rather than models to copy. Drawing on Colombia’s experience, she discusses how countries can learn from both achievements and challenges when designing transitional justice mechanisms.Paula also explains how IFIT brings together experts from different disciplines and regions to respond to crises and develop practical recommendations. She highlights the importance of dialogue between international actors and local communities and why effective support must be grounded in local realities. The episode also explores the concept of the “presumption of conformity” in peace agreements: the idea that agreements reached through legitimate processes and containing safeguards for victims, accountability, truth, and reparations should be presumed consistent with international law.Finally, Paula reflects on the opportunities and challenges of working as an NGO in conflict and post-conflict settings and shares advice for those interested in careers in human rights, peacebuilding, and transitional justice.What will you learn?• How IFIT supports peacebuilding and transitional justice processes• Why international support must complement local expertise• What Colombia’s experience can teach other countries• Why comparative lessons are more valuable than one-size-fits-all solutions• What the “presumption of conformity” means for peace agreements• The role of NGOs in conflict and post-conflict settings• Advice for future human rights practitioners🧠 Topics Covered• Transitional justice• Peacebuilding• Colombia’s peace process• International law• Human rights and accountability• NGOs and conflict settings👤 About the GuestPaula Vargas is an Associate at the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT) based in Bogotá, Colombia, where she leads IFIT’s transitional justice work in Colombia and Latin America. Her work focuses on peace implementation, transitional justice, international law, and human rights. Before joining IFIT, she worked at Colombia’s Ministry of Defense during the implementation of the peace agreement with the FARC.📚 Resources & Links• Just Access Podcast – https://just-access.de/podcast• Learn more about Just Access – https://just-access.de/• Learn more about IFIT – https://ifit-transitions.org/• Support Just Access – https://just-access.de/donate• Contact the show – podcast@just-access.de⏱ Key Moments• 01:00 – Paula’s work at IFIT• 04:00 – Responding to crises through expert networks• 07:00 – Balancing international support and local ownership• 10:00 – Lessons from Colombia’s transitional justice experience• 13:00 – The presumption of conformity• 16:00 – The role of NGOs in peace processes• 20:00 – Advice for future practitionersCall to ActionHelp Just Access continue creating conversations about human rights, justice, and accountability by sharing this episode, leaving a review, and supporting our work:👉 https://just-access.de/donateBecause everyone can be a human rights defender.

In this episode of the Just Access Podcast, we speak with Paula Vargas, Associate at the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT) in Bogotá, where she leads the organisation’s transitional justice work in Colombia and Latin America.Paula shares her journey into human rights and access to justice, explaining how a personal encounter with barriers to reproductive healthcare first shaped her understanding that rights are not only legal concepts but lived realities shaped by culture, institutions, and power. She reflects on why access to justice is essential for peacebuilding and how the absence of justice can create space for violence and alternative systems of authority. The conversation explores Paula’s work at the intersection of international law, transitional justice, and peace implementation. Drawing on her experience working within Colombia’s Ministry of Defense after the peace agreement with the FARC, she discusses the challenges of translating ambitious peace commitments into practical institutional change and why meaningful peace requires engagement from within the institutions involved in conflict.Paula also reflects on the complexities of accountability in societies emerging from conflict, sharing how her experiences challenged her assumptions and reinforced the importance of balancing justice, fairness, and the realities of implementation. She explains why transitional justice requires understanding different perspectives while maintaining a commitment to responsibility and human rights.What will you learn?• How personal experiences can inspire a career in human rights and access to justice• Why access to justice is closely connected to peace and preventing violence• How international law can influence domestic human rights debates and accountability processes• What it means to implement a peace agreement from within state institutions• The everyday realities and challenges of working on transitional justice• Why accountability and fairness must go hand in hand in post-conflict societies🧠 Topics Covered• Human rights and access to justice• Transitional justice in Colombia• The Colombian peace agreement with the FARC• International law and domestic change• Accountability and responsibility• Peacebuilding and conflict transformation• Institutional reform• Human rights advocacy👤 About the GuestPaula Vargas is an Associate at the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT) based in Bogotá, Colombia, where she leads IFIT’s transitional justice work in Colombia and Latin America. She has worked extensively on peace implementation, transitional justice, international law, and human rights, including as part of Colombia’s Ministry of Defense during the implementation of the peace agreement with the FARC.📚 Resources & Links• Just Access Podcast – https://just-access.de/podcast• Learn more about Just Access – https://just-access.de• Learn more about the Institute for Integrated Transitions – https://ifit-transitions.org• Support Just Access – https://just-access.de/donate• Contact the show – podcast@just-access.de⏱ Key Moments• 01:00 – Paula’s journey into human rights and access to justice• 03:00 – Why justice is essential for peace• 04:30 – The role of international law in Colombia’s human rights debates• 06:30 – Working inside the Ministry of Defense after the peace agreement• 09:00 – The realities of implementing transitional justice commitments• 11:00 – Lessons learned from working within conflict-affected institutions• 13:00 – Balancing accountability, fairness, and the challenges of peacebuildingCall to ActionHelp Just Access continue creating conversations about human rights, justice, and accountability by sharing this episode, leaving a review, and supporting our work:👉 https://just-access.de/donateBecause everyone can be a human rights defender.

If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, we recommend starting there, where Philip McDonagh introduces the foundations of diplomacy, human rights, and intercivilizational dialogue.In this second part of our conversation with Philip McDonagh, former Irish diplomat and Director of the Centre for Religion, Human Values and International Relations at Dublin City University, we take a closer look at the practical work of intercivilizational dialogue and what it means to build peace in deeply divided societies.Philip shares insights from the Intercivilizational Dialogue project led by Just Access, explaining why dialogue is not simply about exchanging ideas but about cultivating friendship, trust, and shared purpose across cultures, faiths, and political traditions. Drawing on examples from Northern Ireland, international diplomacy, and his own encounters with former combatants and world leaders, he illustrates how personal relationships can transform seemingly intractable conflicts.The conversation also explores the dangers of polarization, the importance of creating spaces where disagreement can be constructive, and why meaningful diplomacy requires bringing one’s whole humanity to the table. Philip concludes with practical advice for anyone who wants to contribute to peacebuilding, emphasizing the value of public service, ethical leadership, expertise, and the courage to engage across differences.What will you learn?• How the Just Access Intercivilizational Dialogue project brings together diplomats, academics, faith leaders, and civil society• Why dialogue is the antidote to polarization and conflict• How personal encounters helped shape the Northern Ireland peace process• Why diplomacy can be as much about listening and relationships as negotiation• Why public service and professional ethics matter more than ever• How anyone can contribute to building more peaceful and inclusive societies🧠 Topics Covered• Intercivilizational dialogue• Polarization and social cohesion• Peacebuilding and mediation• The Northern Ireland peace process• Diplomacy and conflict resolution• Interfaith cooperation• Public service and ethical leadership• Professional ethics and human rights👤 About the GuestPhilip McDonagh is Director of the Centre for Religion, Human Values and International Relations and Adjunct Professor at Dublin City University. A distinguished former Irish diplomat, he contributed to the peace process surrounding the Good Friday Agreement and has worked extensively on conflict resolution, intercultural dialogue, diplomacy, and international relations.📚 Resources & Links• Just Access Podcast – https://just-access.de/podcast• Learn more about Just Access’ Intercivilizational Dialogue Project – https://just-access.de• Support Just Access – https://just-access.de/donate• Contact the show – podcast@just-access.de⏱ Key Moments• 01:20 – Why Barcelona became the project’s second meeting place• 03:15 – Understanding polarization and its remedies• 08:00 – Why friendship is at the heart of dialogue• 11:30 – Lessons from the Northern Ireland peace process• 16:40 – The human side of diplomacy• 21:10 – What each of us can do to build peace• 26:40 – Professional ethics, public service, and courageous leadershipCall to ActionHelp Just Access keep critical conversations alive by sharing this episode, leaving a review, and supporting our work:👉 https://just-access.de/donateBecause everyone can be a human rights defender.

In this first part of our conversation with Philip McDonagh, former Irish diplomat and Director of the Centre for Religion, Human Values and International Relations at Dublin City University, we explore the deeper values that underpin diplomacy, human rights, and peaceful coexistence. Drawing on his experience with the Good Friday Agreement, peacebuilding initiatives in South Asia, and diplomatic service across Europe and beyond, Philip explains why effective institutions depend on what he calls “pre-political” culture: the trust, relationships, and shared values that make cooperation possible before laws and politics take over.The conversation examines the growing importance of intercivilizational dialogue in a world facing conflict, polarization, and what Philip describes as a “polycrisis” of interconnected global challenges. From Aristotle’s ideas on friendship and justice to contemporary initiatives at the United Nations, he argues that societies must return to first principles if they are to build more inclusive and resilient political systems.Philip also explores the connection between intercivilizational dialogue, human rights, and access to justice, emphasizing that civil and political rights cannot be separated from social and economic rights. Throughout the episode, he makes the case that meaningful progress depends not only on institutions but also on the values, education, and human relationships that sustain them.What will you learn?• What Philip McDonagh means by “pre-political” culture• Why trust and shared values are essential for justice and democracy• How intercivilizational dialogue can help address global crises• The links between human rights, social order, and access to justice• What lessons the Good Friday Agreement offers for peacebuilding today• Why social and economic rights deserve equal attention alongside civil and political rights🧠 Topics Covered• Diplomacy and peacebuilding• The Good Friday Agreement• Religion, values, and international relations• Intercivilizational dialogue• Human rights and access to justice• Aristotle and political philosophy• Building trust across divided societies• Global governance and multilateralism👤 About the GuestPhilip McDonagh is Director of the Centre for Religion, Human Values and International Relations and Adjunct Professor at Dublin City University. A distinguished former Irish diplomat, he contributed to the peace process surrounding the Good Friday Agreement and has worked extensively on conflict resolution, intercultural dialogue, and international relations.📚 Resources & Links• Just Access Podcast – https://just-access.de/podcast• Support Just Access – https://just-access.de/donate• Contact the show – podcast@just-access.de⏱ Key Moments• 02:00 – From diplomacy to intercivilizational dialogue• 04:20 – Why trust matters more than legislation alone• 07:00 – Civilizations as interconnected traditions• 09:30 – Human rights, social order, and justice• 13:20 – The new intercivilizational dialogue project• 16:30 – Lessons from the Helsinki Process• 18:00 – India’s role in promoting dialogueCall to ActionHelp Just Access keep critical conversations alive—share this episode, leave a review, and support our work at:👉 https://just-access.de/donateBecause everyone can be a human rights defender.

In this episode we have the honour to speak with Professor Michael O'Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe. From the UN in the former Yugoslavia to leading the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, O'Flaherty describes his role as a "field diplomat" committed to being on the ground where people hurt.We discuss his four strategic priorities: Ukraine, global challenges (AI, climate, migration), championing marginalized communities (especially Roma), and protecting human rights defenders. O'Flaherty also critiques proposed social media bans for children, advocates for youth climate activism, and shares why he remains hopeful despite growing pressures on human rights systems.Key Topics:The "field diplomat" approach to human rights workUkraine: defending people, not just territoryRoma communities and "Antigypsyism" in EuropeRegulating platforms, not banning children from social mediaYouth climate activism and legitimate protest rightsFinding hope in human rights achievementsGuest Bio: Prof. Michael O'Flaherty is Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe. Formerly Director of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency and member of the UN Human Rights Committee, he has established human rights programs across Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sierra Leone, and Asia-Pacific.Resources:Safeguarding Ukrainians Displaced Across Europe: coe.intReclaim Human Rights: coe.intSocial Media Bans: coe.intHuman Rights Defenders: coe.intRoma Communities (12 Million): coe.intSupport Just Access: just-access.de/donate | Contact: podcast@just-access.de

In this second part of our conversation, Dr. Miranda Melcher continues speaking with Sandra Berty about her latest work on violence against mothers—an often overlooked but critical dimension of gender-based violence.Sandra shares insights from her recent submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, explaining why violence against mothers must be recognized as a distinct legal category. She unpacks how conflict disproportionately impacts mothers, from forced caregiving roles to the long-term consequences of forced pregnancy.The conversation also explores how legal frameworks evolve, why naming specific harms matters for justice and reparations, and what developments in international law—especially around sexual and reproductive rights—are shaping the future of accountability.🔑 Key TopicsWhat counts as violence against mothersWhy legal definitions shape justice and reparationsThe concept of forced motherhood as continuous harmGaps in current international legal frameworksThe role of UN submissions and advocacyThe significance of the Ongwen case at the ICCEmerging developments in sexual and reproductive health rights in international law💡 Key TakeawaysViolence against mothers is not fully captured under existing gender-based violence frameworks.Recognizing maternal-specific harm leads to more effective accountability and reparations.Forced pregnancy has lifelong physical, psychological, and economic consequences.Legal progress—especially in international criminal law—is opening new pathways for justice.There is growing momentum toward broader recognition of reproductive autonomy in conflict settings.👤 GuestSandra Berty – Legal professional working on gender-based violence and international justice, with a focus on conflict-related harms and reproductive rights.🎙️ HostDr. Miranda Melcher – Senior Legal Fellow at Just Access🔍 Further Reading & ListeningUN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girlsICC Ongwen case (forced pregnancy and reproductive autonomy)Just Access Podcast – Part 1 with Sandra Bert📣 Get InvolvedIf you believe in access to justice and human rights for all:Share this episodeLeave a rating or reviewReach out with suggestions: podcast@just-access.deSupport the work: just-access.de/donate🌍 About the PodcastThe Just Access Podcast explores how to make human rights meaningful and accessible for everyone. We believe: Everyone can be a Human Rights Defender.

In this first part of our conversation, we speak with Sandra Berty, an international refugee law and gender-based violence specialist with more than a decade of experience working with UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM and the IRC across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the United States.Sandra shares how her journey into this field began during law school, when she worked with women seeking asylum who had survived conflict-related sexual violence. That early experience shaped a career dedicated to supporting women and girls in displacement and emergency settings around the world.Together, we explore:What gender-based violence has to do with access to justiceWhy justice often means far more than courts and legal systemsThe importance of naming violations, recognising harm and creating safe spacesHow Sandra’s background in both law and sociology informs her workWhat it is really like to work in humanitarian responses in places such as Ukraine, Afghanistan and Cox’s BazarWhy small daily successes matter in long-term social change workAdvice for anyone hoping to work in humanitarian or human rights fieldsSandra also offers an honest look at the realities of frontline humanitarian work, explaining why listening, humility and respect for local communities are essential.This is an insightful conversation about justice, dignity and practical ways to support survivors of violence in some of the world’s most challenging contexts.Listen now and subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2, where Sandra discusses her current legal work on violence against mothers and what all of us should be paying attention to next.#JustAccess #HumanRights #AccessToJustice #RefugeeRights #GenderBasedViolence #WomenRights #UNHCR #HumanitarianWork #Podcast