Outstanding Students Recognised for Academic Excellence at Graduation Ceremony

Ritika Sharma, LLM student in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights was awarded the Henry Dunant Research Prize for her paper titled ‘Harnessing Hindu and Buddhist sources as “dictates of the public conscience”: a gap-filler to address sexual violence against women during conduct of hostilities’.

The jury of the Henry Dunant Research Prize, including Professor Paola Gaeta, Anne Quintin (ICRC), Caty Clément (Foundation Prix Henry Dunant), Morgane Desboeufs (Foundation Prix Henry Dunant), and Dr Clotilde Pégorier, honoured the paper as it not only displayed exceptional academic quality but also delved into current topics that align with Henry Dunant's mission to protect victims of war and persecution, and feminism. Ms Sharma was not present at the ceremony, but a video message was played with her acceptance speech.

‘The paper of Ms Sharma is in line with the themes and combats of Henry Dunant and is of high quality in terms of research. Ms Sharma also tackled a very topical question in an original fashion with the focus on non-Abrahamic religions’ explains our Head of Education Dr Clotilde Pégorier.

Ozan Yildirim received the 2024 Best LLM Paper Prize for his LLM paper ‘The involvement of non-state actors acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the state in enforced disappearance and human rights litigation’.

‘Mr Yildirim's paper brings theory and practice together and demonstrated transversality in how he managed to integrated various legal framework. Additionally, he also made good recommendations and the arguments are well developed, showing his understanding of the chosen topics and in his ability to tackle diverse legal questions’, highlights Dr Pégorier.

The Best MTJ Paper Prize was awarded to Nataly Santana Sánchez for her paper titled ‘Does reproductive violence have a place in transitional justice?: A case study of Colombia's approach to address conflict-related violations of reproductive autonomy’

‘The paper addresses complex and timely issues in transitional justice, offering innovative approaches and solutions. It is supported by thorough research, an extensive review of jurisprudence, and well-developed proposals and recommendations.’ explains Dr Clotilde Pégorier.

Kanako Ohara was awarded the Best ExMas Paper Prize for her paper titled ‘Drones and Mobile Phones: How does International Law Protect Children in Armed Conflict’.

‘Given that the Executive Master programme attracts professionals from diverse domains such as humanitarian work, human rights, the military, and justice, the papers produced by our participants – like this one – hold direct significance and practical implications within their respective fields. Ms Ohara managed to look at two questions in a well-argued manner: the protection of children and the use of digital technology. Furthermore, the topic could not be more pressing or timely’ explains Dr Pégorier.