What is WOLAS Talks – International Law Practice Series?

WOLAS Talks – International Law Practice Series is a multi-session lecture series that brings together globally recognized figures in the fields of human rights law and advocacy with students at leading universities in Türkiye. The series, conducted in both Turkish and English, is designed as a multi-site programme, with each session moderated by an experienced expert in the field. The first phase of the series will take place at Bahçeşehir University, Marmara University, Istanbul University, and Boğaziçi University.

Why is the International Law Practice Series Organized under WOLAS Talks?

WOLAS Talks is a distinguished lecture series that aims to transcend the theoretical boundaries of legal education by introducing university students to the global ecosystem of human rights advocacy. The project seeks to transform the struggle for human rights from a purely academic subject into a field that inspires engagement, commitment, and professional aspiration.

In Türkiye, the potential of human rights and international law advocacy extends far beyond the confines of law faculties. The practice of international law plays a decisive role in the protection of rights, processes of historical accountability, and the construction of global justice. However, despite a strong awareness of global human rights violations, there remains a notable lack of a structured “roadmap” for translating this awareness into professional action.

At this juncture, WOLAS Talks aims to:

• Bring students together with inspiring figures who have made significant contributions to human rights advocacy, thereby fostering motivation and engagement;
• Introduce and familiarize young talents with international human rights mechanisms, encouraging them to become active participants in this field;
• Expand local legal and advocacy perspectives through exposure to international experiences and success stories.

Each session is designed to go beyond theoretical knowledge by presenting real case experiences, the inner workings of bureaucratic processes, and the practical dimensions of international advocacy.

Who is it for?

WOLAS Talks is open to a wide audience, including students of law, political science, international relations, and other social sciences, as well as anyone interested in human rights advocacy. The experiences shared by the speakers extend beyond academia, encompassing practice from courtrooms and diplomatic negotiations to UN committees and legal departments of national governments.

Application

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