Human Rights Clinic Research Project

International Human Rights of Uncontacted Tribes/People

Principal Investigators
Professor Colin Samson
Dr Ebba Lekvall

The project will support Survival International to examine international human rights law (IHRL) and norms pertaining to the rights of uncontacted tribes, and draw up a document which brings these together.

It will also involve interviewing and liaising members of Survival International in London. Students will rely on relevant international legal standards to provide a full picture of the legal recognition of Indigenous people's rights, with particular attention to collective identity issues and rights to Innu land (Nitassinan).

Project Description

About Survival International

Survival International is a human rights organisation formed in 1969 that campaigns for the rights of Indigenous and/or tribal peoples and uncontacted peoples.

Working within the Human Rights Centre Clinic is an option for undergraduate and postgraduate students to gain experience in real world issues. Through the Clinic, you will learn substantive human rights law, develop professional techniques and explore different models/theories for the effective promotion of human rights.

Who can apply?

The module-based projects are open to postgraduate students on the Human Rights Master’s programme (LLM/MA). 

If you are selected to work on a module-based project then you will be automatically enrolled on the Human Rights Centre Clinic module (course code: HU902). When applying for a multi-year project, you do not need to take HU902, but can opt to do so.

When can I apply?

Applications for 2024-25 will open on 4 October 2024, after the Introduction to the Human Rights Centre Clinic session.

Applications to join all Clinic projects in 2024-25 will open on 4 October 2024. Please submit your application by Monday 7 October at 5pm to humanrightscentreclinic@essex.ac.uk. Please send your application documents in PDF format with the file name [SURNAME]_[First name]_HRCC application.


How to apply