MAS in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law: What our Students Say

Portrait of Dasha Reddy Portrait of Dasha Reddy

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.

About Me

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.

Why did you choose the MTJ at the Geneva Academy?

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 are you particularly enjoying about this programme?

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.

What are you planning to do next?

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.

Why did you choose to be photographed in front of this Wall?

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.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Portrait of Claire An News

MAS in Transitional Justice: What our Alumni Say

30 January 2024

As a Programme Officer at the UN Women Centre of Excellence for Gender Equality, Claire An forms part of a team focussing on ending violence against women and implements research programmes that measure femicide and technology-facilitated violence against women. In this interview, she tells about the programme, fond memories and what it brought to her career.

Read more

Portrait of Hiran Geeganage in front of the ICRC building News

MAS in Transitional Justice: What our Alumni Say

13 February 2024

As an Associate at the International Committee of the Red Cross in the Persons Deprived of Liberty Unit, Hiran Geeganage supports the development of a methodology for monitoring and reporting on the institution’s detention activities. In this interview, he tells about the programme, fond memories and what it brought to his career.

Read more

A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

11-15 November 2024

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

Read more

Open dump Training

Protecting Human Rights and the Environment

2-20 September 2024

Participants in this training course, made of two modules, will examine the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights and the environment, familiarizing themselves with the respective implementation and enforcement mechanisms.

Read more

surveillance image of people Project

Human Rights in a Digitalized World: Mapping Risk, Strengthening Regulation and Promoting the Development of International Human Rights Law

Started in August 2023

To unpack the challenges raised by artificial intelligence, this project will target two emerging and under-researched areas: digital military technologies and neurotechnology.

Read more

First annual conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform Project

The Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform

Started in June 2019

Read more

Cover of the publication Publication

Briefing N° 23: The Human Rights Data Revolution

published on April 2024

Domenico Zipoli

Read more

Cover page of the Research Brief Publication

The Evolving Neurotechnology Landscape: Examining the Role and Importance of Human Rights in Regulation

published on December 2023

Erica Harper

Read more