Rosanna Ellul

I completed the MA in Human Rights, Culture and Social Justice in 2019. After working in various roles for different human rights NGOs, I applied for the masters to develop my understanding of the international human rights framework in both its legal and practical applications. In particular, I was looking to research more closely the influence of human rights for people in detention. My final dissertation focused on the cultural importance of human rights for men and women on prison strike during the Northern Irish Troubles. So much of what I learnt at Goldsmiths fed into my current role with the National Preventive Mechanism - a body of 21 statutory organisations who monitor and inspect all places of detention across the UK to prevent torture and ill-treatment, in accordance with the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention Against Torture. Perhaps the most exciting part of the course was examining the limits of human rights, and looking toward alternative routes to achieve real social justice. I aim to bring this learning with me to any future human rights role.