1 February 2021
In this interview, Dasha Reddy, currently enrolled in our MAS in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law (MTJ), tells us about the programme and life in Geneva.
My name is Dasha Reddy. I am originally from South Africa but moved to Canada when I was young. Prior to studying at the Geneva Academy, I completed a Master of Public Health, concentrating on global health and health of displaced persons. I had the opportunity to work in various roles relating to migrant health and wellbeing, including as a Community Engagement Coordinator for resettled refugee women, as a Health Officer intern with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and as a Health Researcher. My work and education have enabled me to conceptualise health as an intersecting field with human rights law, an intersection that I am constantly eager to learn more about.
In addition to my work, I am a lover of the outdoors. Anything from hiking to landscape photography excites me. In my spare time, you can either find me on a mountain or taking advantage of the delicious chocolate and cheese of Switzerland.
The main factors that pushed me to choose the MTJ at the Geneva Academy were the school's unique setting, the diverse student body that it draws, and its interdisciplinary approach to transitional justice. Studying in the humanitarian and human rights hub of the world is an exceptional opportunity to envelop oneself in an inspirational environment. Additionally, the diverse and colourful combination of people coming into the programme from different backgrounds, cultures and professional experiences creates a dynamic, enriching and thought-provoking atmosphere.
What I admire most about the MTJ programme is the incredible cohort of people I’ve had the opportunity to meet. I am continually inspired by my classmates’ bravery in confronting systems of oppression through the lens of transitional justice. I feel lucky and proud to be able to learn from and share this experience with newfound friends that I know are going to go on to do amazingly impactful work.
I am planning to continue my academic studies by pursuing a PhD. I am hopeful that the Geneva Academy’s academic research spring track will help me further develop the tools, skills, and cross-disciplinary mindset that is required to successfully work toward a PhD while remaining rooted in the application of such knowledge.
I chose to be photographed here because it is the most colourful place that I found in Geneva. Graffiti can be used as a powerful form of social emancipation and activism. For me, this specific wall of art reflects the rich cultural mosaic that permeates through the city; an aspect of Geneva that I value.
Geneva Academy
The 41 students enrolled in our LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and the 38 enrolled in our MAS in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law (MTJ) arrived in Geneva for their orientation week.
Domenico Zipoli
At a roundtable organized by OHCHR in partnership with the Geneva Human Rights Platform, the Universal Rights Group, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights, experts discussed how they intend to give effect to the recommendations made in HRC report 50/64 on the establishment and development of national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up.
UN Women/Ryan Brown
This Human Rights Conversation will discuss child participation in the work of UN human rights mechanisms and opportunities to move away from today’s reliance on individual organizations or UN representatives’ initiatives.
UN Photo
This online short course analyses the main international and regional norms governing the international protection of refugees. It notably examines the sources of international refugee law, including the 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, and their interaction with human rights law and international humanitarian law.
Adobe
This training course will explore the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as with their implementation and enforcement mechanisms; and provide practical insights into the different UN human rights mechanisms pertinent to advancing environmental issues and protecting environmental human rights defenders.
Victoria Pickering
This project aims at providing support to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Clément Voulé by addressing emerging issues affecting civic space and eveloping tools and materials allowing various stakeholders to promote and defend civic space.
Olivier Chamard / Geneva Academy
The Treaty Body Members’ Platform connects experts in UN treaty bodies with each other as well as with Geneva-based practitioners, academics and diplomats to share expertise, exchange views on topical questions and develop synergies.
Canva