Human rights, non-discrimination and inclusion

The theme ‘’human rights, non-discrimination and inclusion’’ brings together research on groups or individuals suffering from unjustifiable differential treatment and ingrained patterns of discrimination in society. Members investigate how legal rules and instruments can be used to address political, economic, criminal, environmental and social challenges by promoting equality and inclusion in society. Some of the research under this theme also tends to be comparative in nature, focusing on the integration and interaction between different legal orders operating at the national, supranational (European Union) and international levels.

Part of the research within the Centre has included projects that look into ways to support the participation of people with disabilities in political and public life, as well as one project examining the role of social movements led by persons with disabilities in the monitoring of UN legislation.

Another area of research within the Centre relates to women’s rights. Central topics concern the influence that culture (tradition/religion) has on women’s land rights and violence against women, as well as women's participation in the international judiciary and in international relations.

Individual research projects devote specific attention to the promotion of socio-economic rights. Examples include research on the right to health and how it can contribute to social justice; on intersectional discrimination within the EU and how it affects the disparaged socio-economic status of marginalized groups; research on developmental rights, particularly the economic development of the people affected by climate change.

Part of the research activity relates to the challenges arising from the rights of people coming into contact with criminal justice systems, such as the protection of juvenile suspects within criminal proceedings, or the impact of human smuggling laws and policies on the rights of asylum seekers and irregular migrants.

The research methods adopted are both descriptive, looking into the existing legal and policy frameworks; and evaluative/normative, assessing the existing status quo and suggesting improvement for the effective protection and equal treatment of marginalized groups and individuals.