Student spotlights - International Human Rights Law

Master's in International Human Rights Law spotlight: Jason Wright

Since completing the Master's in International Human Rights Law, Jason Wright has gone on to work in defence of Guantanamo Bay detainees.

'Prior to joining the IHRL programme in 2008, I was deployed as a military attorney to Tikrit, Iraq where I provided legal advice to the headquarters staff and commanding general of Multi-National Division North on international humanitarian law, the rules of engagement, and other matters affecting the Division’s operations.'

'I was drawn to the course by its principle mission – to take early- to mid-career practitioners and mould them into effective human rights advocates. The course is designed to achieve this objective, and provides its students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to contribute substantively to the field of international human rights law.'

'The academic rigour of the programme was deeply engaging. Simply put, the world’s foremost experts in international human rights law are directly involved in student development.'

'I was exceedingly challenged by the analytical method in the coursework. My U.S. legal instruction was based on the casebook method, where students read case law to develop analytical skills and to induce/deduce the controlling legal principles for the subject matter. This programme, which certainly involved studying cases depending on the class, requires the student to approach the study more broadly. It involves a multidisciplinary approach where assigned readings often discuss the philosophical, theological, sociological, or anthropological underpinnings of the human rights issue. This more rigorous analytical process, which required me not just to identify what the human rights rule or norm is, but rather, to assess why there is such a rule or norm, was engaging and challenging.'

'I was most surprised by my fellow student cohorts. The programme achieves remarkable success in selecting committed professionals who are engaged in making this world a better place. I have developed lasting personal friendships, and a network of extraordinary practitioners from around the world.'

'As the course progressed, I refined my goals not only to focus on my studies, but also to start building a professional network with my peers and the faculty. In the 18 months since completing the programme, I have collaborated with my former classmates and professors on a number of occasions.'

'There is a difference between a job, a career, and a calling. For me, human rights work is a calling, and I hope to be able to continue contributing progressively for the remainder of my life.'

'The Master’s has indispensably enhanced this goal. Since completing my studies, my dissertation has been accepted for publication in an outstanding peer-reviewed journal on international human rights law. As a military attorney, I have also been given significantly more responsibility that involves direct human rights advocacy. I now defend Guantanamo Bay detainees before the forthcoming military commissions, where I draw on my Master’s experience daily.'

'It is difficult to capture the wonderful experience of this course. While it is a demanding time commitment, this course will give you the tools necessary to become an effective advocate in the field of international human rights law. It is profoundly enriching. You will be able to measure the positive change in your life – both personal and professional – “before Oxford” and “after Oxford”.'