Why human rights should be the heart of discussions on technology
In this thought-provoking episode, we speak with Professors Jane Bailey and Valerie Steeves, co-leaders of The eQuality Project, a pioneering initiative focused on young people’s experiences of privacy and equality in digitally networked environments.Part 1 of our conversation dives into how surveillance is normalized in educational and social media contexts, why that matters for youth, and what needs to change in how we approach children’s digital rights. Jane and Valerie reflect on how their research with young people sheds light on the disconnect between adult perceptions of digital safety and the real concerns youth express—particularly around control, visibility, and relationships of trust.🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:How young people’s digital lives are shaped by surveillance in schools and on platformsWhy digital privacy is about more than just data—it’s about dignity and identityHow legal frameworks are lagging behind young people’s actual digital experiencesWhy youth-centered research methods are key to understanding their needs and protecting their rights👩🏫 About the Guests:Professor Jane Bailey is a law professor at the University of Ottawa specializing in cyberfeminism, equality, and technology law.Professor Valerie Steeves is a legal scholar and sociologist at the University of Ottawa with extensive experience in youth-focused digital privacy research. She is also the principal investigator of the MediaSmarts Young Canadians in a Wired World study.Together, they co-lead The eQuality Project, a SSHRC-funded partnership that brings together researchers and community organizations to improve digital inclusion and rights for youth.📌 Relevant Links:The eQuality ProjectYoung Canadians in a Wired World – MediaSmarts📢 Stay Tuned:This is Part 1 of our conversation. In the next episode, we’ll dive deeper into resistance strategies, legal implications, and visions for digital environments that support—not exploit—young people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Climate Justice for Children: Legal Action in Germany
In this second part of our conversation with the Just Access Strategic Litigation team, Dr. Miranda Melcher continues her in-depth discussion with Dr. Tom Sparks and Dr. Lucas Sanchez about Just Access’s groundbreaking communication to four UN Special Rapporteurs. The communication addresses critical gaps in Germany’s climate change adaptation policies, specifically regarding children’s rights and the inclusion of human rights-based frameworks.This episode dives deep into:Why Just Access chose this case and what makes it strategically importantHow this communication fits into Just Access’s broader mission of improving access to justice for socioeconomic and environmental rightsThe function of UN Special Rapporteurs and how this international legal mechanism worksThe innovative and collaborative process behind building this communicationWhat outcomes Just Access hopes for—from influencing German policy to inspiring global actionTom and Lucas share insights into the surprising gaps in adaptation-focused human rights litigation, the under-recognized vulnerabilities of children in climate policy, and how strategic litigation can ignite systemic change.🧠 Key Takeaways:Adaptation is lagging behind mitigation in international legal responses to climate change—this case aims to change that.Germany, though relatively advanced in adaptation efforts, lacks sufficient human rights safeguards—especially for children—in its strategies.Strategic litigation can create ripple effects across jurisdictions and empower other organisations to take similar action.Everyone has a role to play—whether through donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.🛠️ Want to Help?✅ Donate: Support our work at just-access.de🤝 Volunteer: We’re always looking for dedicated people with legal or advocacy skills📣 Spread the Word: Share this episode, talk about adaptation, and follow us on social media📬 Get in Touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Just Access vs. Climate Injustice: Why Adaptation Is a Legal Necessity
In this powerful episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher is joined by Dr. Tom Sparks (Director of Just Access) and Dr. Lucas Sanchez (Head of Strategic Litigation at Just Access) for the first part of a two-part conversation exploring the intersection of climate change adaptation, children’s rights, and international law.Together, they break down a groundbreaking communication that Just Access is submitting to multiple UN Special Rapporteurs, challenging Germany’s approach to climate adaptation for its failure to adequately protect children.You’ll learn:🌍 The difference between climate change mitigation and adaptation⚖️ Why children are disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of climate change📜 How Germany’s current laws fall short from a human rights perspective👶 Why a children’s rights-based approach is essential in climate adaptation🌐 The potential global impact of this first-ever international communication on adaptationThis is the first international effort to set human rights precedents for climate adaptation, building on the momentum of existing climate litigation around mitigation. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in climate justice, human rights law, or strategic litigation.👉 Part 2 of this conversation will dive into the legal mechanics of the communication process and what outcomes Just Access hopes to see. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!📢 Get Involved:Help us spread awareness and demand better climate protections for children. Share this episode and learn more about how you can be a human rights defender: https://just-access.de/donate💌 Contact Us:We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions! Email us at: [email protected]🎧 Listen now on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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27:24
Climate Change and Children’s Rights
🎙️ Host: Dr. Miranda Melcher🎙️ Guest: Professor Elisa Morgera, UN Special Rapporteur on Climate ChangeIn this second part of our conversation with Professor Elisa Morgera, we dive deeper into the intersection of climate change and human rights, particularly focusing on the vulnerability of children. We also explore:🌍 How industries contribute to climate change and the role of regulation👶 The specific human rights challenges children face due to climate change📜 The UN Special Rapporteur’s communication procedures and how individuals can raise concerns💡 How listeners can engage in human rights advocacy and researchIf you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out for a broader introduction to Professor Morgera’s work.🔗 Get in touch: Share your thoughts or suggest future topics at [email protected]💙 Support our work: Donate at just-access.de/donate⭐ Rate & Review: If you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a review—it helps spread the word!🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation on human rights and climate justice! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How is climate change a human rights issue?
🌍 Episode Summary:In this episode of the Just Access Podcast, Dr. Miranda Melcher sits down with Professor Elisa Morgera to explore the critical intersections between climate change and human rights. As the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change, Professor Morgera provides a deep dive into her role, the challenges of addressing climate change through a human rights lens, and the need for stronger collaboration between legal, environmental, and scientific communities.Key topics include:✅ What it means to be a UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change✅ How climate change is a human rights crisis and why human rights law should guide climate action✅ The role of the UN Human Rights Council in shaping global climate justice efforts✅ Collaboration between different Special Rapporteurs and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches✅ Why access to climate information and public participation are essential for fair climate policies✅ The psychological impacts of climate change, including eco-anxiety and climate grief💡 “Climate change is shaping our lives and well-being daily. Human rights are not just an add-on to climate action—they are essential for effective, fair, and meaningful responses.” – Professor Elisa Morgera📢 Next Episode Teaser:This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for Part 2, where Professor Morgera dives even deeper into the legal frameworks guiding climate action, national adaptation plans, and how communities can ensure their rights are upheld in climate policies.🔔 Don’t miss out! Subscribe and follow Just Access Podcast for more insightful conversations on human rights and justice.📩 Get in Touch:📧 Email us: [email protected]🌍 Visit our website: just-access.de💬 Follow us on social media & share your thoughts!💙 Support Our Work:Just Access is a non-profit dedicated to promoting human rights and justice. If you believe in our mission, consider making a donation at just-access.de/donate. Every contribution helps us continue our work! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Just Access Podcast: Your Gateway to Global Human Rights ConversationsWelcome to the Just Access Podcast, where we delve into the dynamic world of human rights with compelling conversations and insightful interviews. Hosted by Dr. Miranda Melcher, our podcast brings you closer to the heart of human rights advocacy, featuring in-depth discussions with a diverse array of notable figures—from academics and international officials to frontline human rights defenders.About the Just Access PodcastEach episode of the Just Access Podcast is meticulously crafted to shed light on the myriad aspects of human rights. We explore pressing issues, share personal stories, and dissect complex challenges in the realms of social, economic, cultural, and environmental rights. Our goal is to provide a platform for thought-provoking dialogue, informed by expertise and experience, that inspires action and fosters a deeper understanding of human rights worldwide.Diverse Voices, Unified MissionThe Just Access Podcast is committed to amplifying diverse voices in the human rights community. Our guests range from seasoned academics to international officials and courageous human rights defenders working on the ground. These conversations offer a multifaceted perspective on human rights issues, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain.Advancing Human Rights through Education and AdvocacyThe Just Access Podcast is more than just a series of interviews; it is a crucial component of Just Access's mission to support human rights worldwide. By engaging with experts and activists, we aim to educate our listeners, raise awareness, and inspire advocacy. Each episode is a step towards building a more just and equitable world.Join the Conversation!Subscribe to the Just Access Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and be part of a global community dedicated to human rights. Whether you are a student, an activist, or simply someone who cares about justice, our podcast offers valuable insights and actionable knowledge. Together, we can make a difference.Connect with Us!Stay updated with the latest episodes and join the conversation on social media. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, and visit our website for more information about our work and how you can get involved.Support Our Mission!If you believe in the importance of human rights and want to support our mission, consider donating to Just Access. Your contribution helps us continue our advocacy, education, and strategic litigation efforts to uphold human rights around the globe.For more information and to listen to our episodes, search Just Access wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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