Human Rights Centre postgraduate makes Study UK Alumni Award shortlist

A member of Essex’s illustrious Human Rights Centre community has been shortlisted for a Study UK Alumni Award.

Pelin Kahveci is in the running for the Wider Europe and Turkey category for her work in protecting and resettling vulnerable refugees.

Pelin, who secured a LLM in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at Essex in 2015, has supported around 3,500 refugees while holding posts with the likes of UNICEF, International Catholic Migration Commission and the European Union Agency for Asylum.

Her key responsibilities have included delivering an effective resettlement process for refugees from Middle East and Africa, and focusing on vulnerable groups such as women, children and those within the LGBTQI community.

Pelin, who is now an assistant at the Economic Policy and Governance, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Resident Office in Istanbul, said: “Studying at the University of Essex was one of the biggest dreams and milestones in my career life, so being shortlisted for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2022/23 crowns my fulfilled dream with success and great honour.”

During her time at Essex and working with the Human Rights Clinic, Pelin contributed to missions carried out by the two UN Special Rapporteurs, one working on Trafficking in Human Beings, and the other on Contemporary Forms of Slavery.

Pelin continued: “At Essex, I deepened my expertise in international refugee protection by the class I received in refugee law taught by the renowned Professor Geoff Gilbert, an expert in international refugee law, since it was one of the main drivers behind why I chose Essex for my LLM studies.

“In this regard, the whole academic team at Essex Law School composing of prominent human rights figures in their respective areas, was always supportive each time I approached for academic and practice related purposes.

“The mentoring I received was significant in shaping my academic and career pathways in international protection for vulnerable groups, refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and victims of human trafficking, especially women and children.”

She added: “In a nutshell, my study and experience at the University of Essex was the best decision I made for the advancement of my career and my specialisation in international protection for vulnerable refugee and migrant groups.”

The Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of alumni and showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education. Award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, professions and countries.

The Study UK Alumni Awards 2022-23 finalists will be announced later this month.