Humphrey and WCL Alumna Speaks at ITUC Side Event to the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow Dhaisy Paredes Guzmán (Dominican Republic) recently spoke at a side event organized by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) during the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings. Her presentation examined the implications of the World Bank’s B-READY Report for labor rights and democratic governance, drawing attention to how economic policy frameworks can impact social protections and workers’ rights.
In her remarks, Dhaisy highlighted how some governments leverage high B-READY scores to obscure democratic backsliding, referencing insights from her recent co-authored article in The Conversation.
AUWCL Humphrey Fellowship Alumna Breaking New Ground in Human Rights Litigation
Hubert H. Humphrey Alumna Zuzana Pavlíčková (Slovakia), continues to make impactful strides in advancing human rights and justice. Upon the completion of her fellowship year, Zuzana expanded her expertise beyond her comfort zone—working on strategic litigation cases from diverse legal systems and in a professional language new to her.
Reflecting on this transformative experience, she shared how collaboration between academia, experts, and practitioners can strengthen human rights protections and deliver justice for victims of violations.
Her journey is featured in American University’s story, “Breaking New Ground in Human Rights Litigation.”
Driven by passion and purpose, Tamar Dekanosidze, Hubert H. Humphrey Alumni from Georgia has transformed her fellowship journey into a legacy of impact, inspiring others with her groundbreaking work both during and beyond her time in the program. As a current fellow, I find her journey particularly inspiring, as it highlights how the fellowship not only deepens one’s professional expertise but also creates lasting connections and opens doors to impactful global advocacy.
During the 2022-2023 fellowship at American University Washington College of Law, Tamar stood out not just for her achievements but for the impactful initiatives she launched. Her dedication and belief in positive change sets a powerful example. As I navigate my own fellowship journey, I’ve come to realize how the program pushes us to challenge boundaries and grow both professionally and personally, just as Tamar did in her work.
Currently Tamar is a Regional Representative in Eurasia for Equality Now. In this role, she plays a crucial part in advocating for a movement aimed at empowering women and girls in the former Soviet Union to live without violence and discrimination while also ensuring they have access to justice for sexual and other types of gender-based violence.
Reflecting on her journey since the fellowship, Tamar shared several key highlights that she takes pride in, revealing the significant impact her work has had in her community and beyond.
After the fellowship ended, Tamar returned to the AUWCL as a visiting scholar, which she describes as a fantastic opportunity that significantly enriched her Ph.D. research in Gender and Governance back in Georgia.
“Being here has allowed me to conduct valuable research and access numerous opportunities that I might not have had otherwise,” she explained.
During this time, she had the privilege of lecturing at three prestigious universities: Texas, George Washington University, and the University of Miami, where she contributed to a human rights clinic. She emphasized the importance of sharing the practical aspects of law, drawing from her extensive experience in litigation and its real-world applications.
“It’s one thing to study human rights law theoretically but applying it in real-world cases is where the real impact happens,” she shared, referencing her guest lectures on strategic litigation and her successful cases at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Her fellowship also opened doors to connect with professionals working on gender-based violence (GBV) issues, allowing her to engage with organizations like Equality Now.
“I had worked with them before, but after participating in the fellowship, I was able to maximize my impact,” she noted.
With access to platforms that were unavailable to her before the fellowship, Tamar participated in critical initiatives that aimed to reshape the landscape of women's rights globally. She actively engaged in significant events both during and after her fellowship, including sessions of the Committee on the Status of Women proudly representing her organization, Equality Now, and helping to drive meaningful change in the fight for gender equality.
Amongst her impactful experiences, Tamar highlighted the Women Deliver Conference in Rwanda, which brought together advocates and activists from around the globe.
“It was inspiring to see women from different regions unite in the pursuit of justice,” she remarked.
One of the most significant achievements for Tamar was her involvement in a hearing at the U.S. Senate, where she testified during the hearing process of a child marriage bill proposing to prohibit marriage under the age of 18. Working alongside local organizations, Tamar gained firsthand insight into lobbying efforts and the intricacies of the justice system in the U.S.
“In the Senate, many professionals were not convinced that this issue affected the U.S.,” she explained. “They often associate child marriage with other countries, but the statistics show that the problem is significant here, too.”
The bill was enacted into law, putting an end to child marriage in Virginia by setting the minimum marriage age at 18 with no exceptions.
Tamar travels the world advocating for women's rights, and most recently, she visited Kyrgyzstan, where she met with local authorities to advocate the implementation of measures that ensure women with disabilities who are victims of sexual violence have access to justice. As a result of her efforts, the manual will be developed to address this critical issue. Also, in Serbia, she led a meeting of global experts to discuss issues that have yet to be incorporated into international law.
“People everywhere share a common humanity, but a lack of understanding fuels the discriminatory treatment faced by many around the world,” she explained.
Her current project involves creating guidelines on sexual violence and disability, aimed at addressing the gaps identified in the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Despite her incredible work championing human rights, she admits that she never viewed her contributions as impactful until others pointed it out to her. Tamar’s time in the U.S. has significantly broadened her understanding of human rights issues and the global importance of even small actions in tackling larger challenges.
“If I had never left my home country – Georgia, my worldview would have remained limited.”
Wishing that more people could experience such transformative opportunities, she believes they could truly make the world a better place.
While the wealth of information available online today is unmatched compared to the past, nothing compares to the growth that comes from traveling and immersing oneself in different cultures.
One particularly striking aspect for her has been the accessibility of the U.S. Senate to ordinary citizens; the ability to simply call your senator is incredibly impressive and underscores the importance of civic engagement.
Beyond professional growth, Tamar has formed incredible friendships that will last a lifetime. These connections have enriched her experience and deepened her understanding of different perspectives.
As I continue to engage with fellows from diverse backgrounds, I see firsthand how Tamar’s insights are true — cultural exchange is vital to truly understanding the complexities of human rights work. It's through these relationships and shared experiences that we, as fellows, are able to broaden our perspectives and make a more meaningful impact.
Tamar believes that during the Humphrey Fellowship, aspiring human rights professionals should prioritize updating their knowledge, auditing as many classes as possible, and embracing all opportunities. Engaging with other fellows is vital, as it provides fresh perspectives and valuable insights.
She emphasizes that the fellowship empowers advocates to remain committed to their work, even in the face of shrinking civic spaces for human rights defenders.
"This program can transform lives," she asserts, highlighting the privilege of being selected and the accompanying moral obligation to contribute meaningfully.
Ultimately, the connections and support found within the fellowship create a strong network that encourages resilience and determination, inspiring participants to continue their vital work in challenging environments.
As Tamar continues her vital work in human rights, her journey through the Humphrey Fellowship exemplifies the transformative power of education, connection, and resilience. Her experiences remind us that every effort counts in the pursuit of justice and equality, inspiring future advocates to embrace their roles in creating a better world.
As I reflect on Tamar’s remarkable journey through the Humphrey Fellowship, I am inspired by the profound impact she has made in the fight for justice and equality. Listening to her story reinforces the unique opportunities this program offers to its fellows - opportunities to learn, connect, and lead transformative changes. Tamar’s unwavering dedication is a powerful reminder of the responsibility we all share as fellows to using this platform to make a meaningful difference in our own communities and beyond.
This profile is based on a conversation with Tamar Dekanosidze, conducted by Nino Kvirkvelia as part of the AUWCL Humphrey Fellowship’s alumni engagement series.
Left: Tamar Dekanosidze, Right: Nino Kvirkvelia
Nino Kvirkvelia in engagement with Tamar Dekanosidze.
Nino Kvirkvelia in engagement with Tamar Dekanosidze.
AUWCL Humphrey Alumna (Romania) Recipient of the 2025 U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award (IWOC)
Elena Georgiana Pascu, a Hubert H. Humphrey alumna and Program Manager at the Center for Legal Resources, is among the recipients of the 2025 U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award (IWOC). The award recognizes women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership – often at great personal risk and sacrifice.
Ms. Pascu has dedicated her career to promoting access to accountability and recognition of human rights for institutionalized children and adults with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities. Through monitoring visits, research, training, and legal and media advocacy, she works alongside legal and psychosocial professionals to support the de-institutionalization and rights of people with disabilities. Over the last 25 years, Georgiana Pascu secured rights and safe treatment for thousands of children and adults with disabilities in Romania. She was instrumental in the adoption of the first law for monitoring visits to care institutions in the region. Ms. Pascu was also a member of the team that documented an emblematic Romanian disability rights case at the European Court of Human Rights concerning the mistreatment and ultimate death of Valentin Campeanu, an orphan with severe mental disabilities, while in a state care facility.
The annual IWOC ceremony took place on April 1st and was hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump at the U.S. Department of State.
Georgiana Pascu receiving award from First Lady Melania Trump.
Georgiana Pascu in handshake with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
AUWCL Humphrey Alumna (Sri Lanka) Recepient of IMRA Awards 2025 Celebrating International Women’s Day
Shaheeda Barrie with IMRA award winners.
The IMRA Awards 2025 brought together a powerful celebration of the incredible achievements of Muslim women across Sri Lanka. Founded by Fathima Aziz, the event paid tribute to women who have made significant contributions in a wide range of fields, shining a well-deserved spotlight on their work and impact. Despite numerous challenges, Fathima’s unwavering vision and determination ensured these remarkable women were recognized and celebrated. Held on April 7th, rescheduled from its original date to accommodate the start of Ramadan, the ceremony carried special significance as it aligned with the spirit of International Women’s Day. The evening stood as a testament to the talent, resilience, and leadership of Muslim women from all walks of life.
Shaheeda Barrie
One of the 2025 honorees was Shaheeda Barrie is a well-respected lawyer and academic. She is qualified as a Barrister in England and an Attorney in Sri Lanka. Her work includes corporate law, court cases, and dispute resolution. She served as Deputy Solicitor General, advising key bodies like the Central Bank and SEC. She studied at LSE, Oxford, and was a Humphrey Fellow at the American University Washington College of Law. She also lectures in law. Shaheeda won the Shibly Aziz Memorial IMRA Award, which is sponsored annually by his family to honor his legacy.
AUWCL HUMPHREY ALUMNUS MEHLULI M. BATAKATHI OF ZAMBIA SPEAKS ON ENVIRONMENTAL LAW PANEL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, USA
Mehluli Batakathi speaking on Environmental Protection and Human Rights at the University of Maryland USA
The Environmental Law Clinics and NGOs Conference, held from Thursday, September 5, to Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the University of Maryland, was a resounding success. The conference, sponsored by the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law Environmental Law Program, the Center for Transnational Environmental Accountability (CTEA), and the Maryland Journal of International Law (MJIL), brought together a global network of environmental advocates where Mehluli Malisa Batakathi, the Co-Founder of Conservation Advocates Zambia and Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship alumnus was a Panel speaker.The conference served as a vital platform for fostering collaboration between NGOs and Environmental Law Clinics, addressing the challenges and opportunities in environmental protection and human rights, and training the next generation of environmental advocates. It successfully brought together advocates from different regions to facilitate collaboration and collective action on a global scale, highlighting the power of the law in pursuing social justice and inspiring new generations to speak truth to power.Mehluli participated in Panel #5, focusing on Non-Litigation Environmental Advocacy.
Mehluli Batakathi with Conference Speakers
He shared insights on strategies for environmental protection and community empowerment that go beyond the courtroom, highlighting a successful case from Zambia where a combination of litigation and non-litigation approaches halted a proposed mining project within a National Park. Our HHH alumni’s valuable insights and continued dedication to environmental advocacy are truly inspiring.#environmentallawclinics#climatejustice#environmentaljustice#advocacy#lawfaculties
AUWCL HUMPHREY ALUMNUS MUHAMMAD KASHIF ASLAM OF PAKISTAN MODERATES PANEL ON HUMAN RIGHTS FRAMEWORK AT NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE
Muhammed K. Aslam speaking on Human Rights Panel in Pakistan
The National Human Rights Conference, themed "Inspiring Change and Empowering Humanity: Advancing Human Rights for All," was held on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the Flatties Hotel in Lahore, Pakistan. The event was organized by the National Human Rights Commission of Pakistan in collaboration with Humphrey Alumnus Muhammad Kashif Aslam, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in the Punjab Police.
Mr. Kashif moderated a panel discussion on “Understanding Human Rights Framework,” which was a central feature of the conference. The conference aimed to raise awareness and promote the protection of human rights for all. Minister for Minorities Ramesh Singh Arora served as the chief guest, and the event brought together notable figures and representatives from government and private institutions.
The conference offered a variety of engaging and informative activities to deepen understanding of human rights. A thought-provoking theater performance set the stage for an insightful panel discussion that delved into fundamental human rights principles and the legal frameworks protecting them. Participants actively engaged in an interactive session exploring these principles and mechanisms.
Muhammed K. Aslam receives award
A highlight of the event was the screening of the documentary "Capturing Truth: A Journey Through the Lens," which provided a powerful visual narrative of human rights struggles and victories. The conference also served as a platform for fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and inspiring collective action toward a more inclusive and humane society.
