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

14 February 2022

Sharon Braekman, enrolled in our Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law (MTJ), tells us about her background, the programme and what it will bring to her career.

About Me

Coming from Belgium, I have a Master of Law in Criminal Justice and Human Rights from Ghent University. My curiosity and interest in a broad range of fields are reflected in my volunteer work with victims of human trafficking in Belgium and in the choice, during my studies, of courses on philosophy, psychology and political science. Various internships at law offices and participation in a moot court gave me a glimpse of life as a lawyer, and I am now ready to explore other options.

Why did you choose the MTJ at the Geneva Academy?

During my Erasmus at the University of Neuchâtel, I attended a guest lecture on transitional justice and I knew that it was my thing right away.

Transitional justice is a very specific domain, yet it involves expertise from a wide variety of fields. The combination of the Geneva Academy solid academic reputation with the fact that it offers a master programme in this field made it a fairly evident choice to apply to the MTJ.

What are you particularly enjoying about this programme?

The MTJ courses offer exactly what I lacked in my law education: a holistic approach to conflicts.

For me, the strongest point of the programme is the diversity of students who give incredibly interesting insights from their home countries during classes.

Would you Recommend it?

I would recommend the MTJ to anyone who is looking for a holistic programme in the field of transitional justice and human rights.

What are you planning to do next?

After graduation, I plan to gain experience in the field for a couple of years, either with an NGO or with an international organization. The programme will help me to reach this objective by acquiring the tools and postgraduate degree to do so.

Why did you choose to be photographed in front of Bains des Pâquis?

I chose a picture at Bains des Pâquis because this is the place that combines all the joys of Geneva. It’s close to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and gives a great overview of the lake with the old town and the mountains behind it. And, most importantly, people of all backgrounds gather here to have breakfast before work, go for a swim, walk, have a drink or read a book.

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