Human Rights Students Take Part in UN Simulation and Expert Session

Our MA in International Relations and Diplomacy students recently participated in a series of experiential learning activities as part of the Human Rights course. It brought international human rights mechanisms to life through simulation, role-playing, and direct engagement with a leading United Nations expert.

Combining a practical workshop with a guest lecture from a member of the United Nations Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture, the sessions provided students with a unique opportunity to connect academic theory with real-world human rights practice, diplomacy, and public policy.

Key Takeaways

• Students participated in a realistic UN human rights simulation based on the reporting procedures of the United Nations Committee Against Torture.
• The workshop developed practical skills in treaty monitoring, diplomatic negotiation, legal analysis, and public communication.
• Students assumed institutional roles including government representatives, UN experts, NGOs, media observers, and affected communities.
• A guest session with María Luisa Romero, member of the UN Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture, provided insight into international human rights work in practice.

Experiencing Human Rights Diplomacy in Action

As part of the Human Rights course, students took part in an immersive simulation based on the reporting procedure established under Article 19 of the Convention Against Torture. Rather than studying international human rights mechanisms solely through lectures and readings, students stepped into the roles of key actors involved in the monitoring process. Participants represented a range of stakeholders, including:

• State delegations
• The United Nations Committee Against Torture
• NGO coalitions
• Affected communities
• Media observers

Working within these roles, students navigated a realistic human rights monitoring scenario that required them to analyze evidence, ask critical questions, formulate legal arguments, and prepare recommendations. The exercise demonstrated how international human rights standards are implemented and monitored in practice while highlighting the complex interactions between governments, civil society organizations, international institutions, and the media.

Building Practical Skills Through Simulation

The workshop was designed to strengthen both subject knowledge and professional competencies relevant to careers in international relations, diplomacy, law, public policy, and human rights.

Throughout the exercise, students developed skills in:

• Treaty monitoring and compliance assessment
• Diplomatic questioning and negotiation
• Evidence-based decision-making
• Human rights analysis
• Public communication and advocacy
• Drafting concluding observations and recommendations

By working within a realistic institutional framework and responding to time-sensitive challenges, students experienced firsthand how international monitoring mechanisms operate in practice. The role-playing format also encouraged creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, requiring participants to balance competing priorities while working toward meaningful outcomes.

Learning from a United Nations Human Rights Expert

The practical simulation was complemented by a special guest session featuring María Luisa Romero, former Minister and Vice-Minister of Government of Panama and current member of the United Nations Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture.

Drawing on her extensive experience in human rights, governance, prison reform, juvenile justice, and international institutions, Romero shared valuable insights into the realities of implementing and monitoring human rights standards around the world. Students gained a deeper understanding of:

• International human rights institutions
• Torture prevention mechanisms
• Human rights monitoring systems
• Public policy and institutional reform
• International governance and accountability

Bringing Human Rights Education Beyond the Classroom

Together, the simulation and expert discussion created a highly interactive learning environment that encouraged students to engage critically with some of the most pressing issues facing international human rights institutions today.

The sessions also align closely with the university's support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, which emphasizes access to justice, accountable governance, and the protection of fundamental human rights.

Through experiences like these, students gain a deeper understanding of how international norms are translated into real-world action while developing the analytical, diplomatic, and communication skills needed for future careers in international organizations, government institutions, NGOs, and global policy environments.