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
Applications for the 2024–2025 academic year of our LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights are open. They will run until 26 January 2024 for applications with a scholarship and until 24 February 2024 for applications without a scholarship.
Wayamo Foundation
The ‘Voices from the Ground’ series provided a platform for our students to interact with practitioners and activists who contribute to transitional justice (TJ) everyday making.
CCPR centre
This training course will delve into the means and mechanisms through which national actors can best coordinate their human rights monitoring and implementation efforts, enabling them to strategically navigate the UN human rights system and use the various mechanisms available in their day-to-day work.
Francisco Proner / Farpa/ CIDH
This online short course aims at presenting the institutions and procedures in charge of the implementation of international human rights law.
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.
UN Photo
This research aimed at taking stock of and contributing to a better understanding of the above-mentioned challenges to the principle of universality of human rights while also questioning their validity.
Geneva Academy