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Hear from Darius, MA Human Rights Alumni.
Tell us a bit about yourself, and your background
My name is Darius Gervinskas. I am a MA Human Rights graduate and a SOGIESC Consultant. I also work as an Education Officer at Diversity Role Models, a UK-based anti-bullying charity, and an Advisory Panelist for International Collaboration at IGLYO - The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Intersex Youth and Student Organisation.
How would you describe the teaching and learning in the programme?
There was a combination of lectures, some virtual and some in-person, and seminars, typically held in smaller groups. Much of the learning was practical and hands on. For example, in the Conflict Resolution & Post-War Development module we worked in groups to consider a regional conflict between fictional countries. Each student group represented a different actor in the conflict, and had to negotiate with others their priorities, mediation strategies, and peacekeeping operations in an attempt to come up with a peace settlement. There were similar practical assignments in other modules. In the Normative Methods, Legal Analysis and Research Skills module I remember doing a moot court exercise based on the well-known Lee v Ashers Baking Company Ltd and others case from the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.
What was your experience like working with your cohort of fellow students?
I was very fortunate to be studying alongside students who all had a vision for a more just world, which was truly inspiring to see. There was often a shared consensus over what we collectively stood for, though everyone had different areas they wanted to specialise in in their work.
What was your favourite study place on campus?
I would have to say the Student Center in Euston. I can be a bit of a night owl sometimes, so leading up to the submission date of my thesis, I spent many nights there doing research and redrafting chapters.
Were there any extracurricular activities or events organised by the programme that enhanced your overall student experience?
The university has endless opportunities to do literally anything! I had joined the Amnesty International Society, but I must say the studies were pretty packed so personally, I did not devote lots of time for extracurriculars.
How has your perspective on human rights issues evolved or been influenced by your time in the programme?
I have a more critical view of human rights and better understand their conceptual, legal, and implementation limitations. After graduating, it became more evident to me that some people do not share the belief that everyone, regardless of who they are, should have access to their most fundamental rights, and in fact have dedicated their time and resources to restrict the freedoms of others. When you are a student, all of this seems a bit detached and theoretical, but it becomes more real as you enter the workplace. For example, we are seeing increasing attempts to use various human rights frameworks and mechanisms to restrict the rights of sexual and gender minorities, including through seeking justification of discriminatory views in the rights to freedom of expression or the right to belief. I now have the knowledge and the skill to engage in these conversations in a more critical and constructive way.听
How did the programme prepare you for your current career?
The programme helped me develop sharp critical thinking skills and agility, which are qualities that underpin my current work. The International Law and Human Rights module was particularly useful as it laid a strong foundation for the work with with the UN. This year, I contributed to the UN Commission on the Status of Women processes in NYC, and felt much more confident because of it.
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