Just Access

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Joel Bakan, professor of law at the University of British Columbia, award-winning author, and filmmaker, about how corporate power continues to evolve — and threaten — democracy. Building on The Corporation and its sequel The New Corporation: How “Good” Corporations Are Bad for Democracy, Joel unpacks how the rise of so-called “good” corporations has deepened corporate influence over governments, society, and even our understanding of justice.He explains how corporations’ new image as socially responsible actors has made it harder to regulate them, and how this shift has contributed to growing inequality, weakened democratic institutions, and the rise of illiberal movements worldwide. Joel also discusses how technology and global crises such as COVID-19 have accelerated these trends — and why reclaiming democracy through activism, litigation, and public institutions is more urgent than ever.Why are corporations increasingly seen as the solution to the world’s problems — even as they profit from them? How has this rebranding enabled a quiet erosion of democratic governance? And what can citizens and movements do to push back? Join us for the second part of this powerful conversation with one of today’s most incisive critics of corporate power.🧠 Topics Covered:⚖️ How corporations’ “good” image undermines democratic regulation🏛️ The link between neoliberalism, inequality, and the rise of illiberalism🌍 How the pandemic magnified existing corporate and political dynamics💻 The role of technology and AI in expanding corporate influence🔥 How citizens and movements can reclaim democratic institutions🧾 Strategic litigation as a tool for climate and social justice👤 About the Guest:Joel Bakan is a professor of law at the University of British Columbia and an internationally recognized author and filmmaker. His work critically examines the legal and social structures that empower corporations at the expense of democracy, equality, and the environment. His acclaimed books and films, The Corporation and The New Corporation: How “Good” Corporations Are Bad for Democracy, have shaped global debates on corporate accountability and the future of democratic governance.🖱️ Resources & Links:🎬 The Corporation – Documentary Film📖 The New Corporation: How “Good” Corporations Are Bad for Democracy – Book & Film⚖️ Mathur v. Ontario – Landmark Canadian climate litigation: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5159223🌐 Joel Bakan’s official website: https://joelbakan.com💡 Donate to support Just Access: https://just-access.de/donate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we speak with Joel Bakan, professor of law at the University of British Columbia, award-winning author, and filmmaker, about how corporate power continues to shape — and often undermine — democracy. Drawing on his bestselling book The Corporation and its sequel The New Corporation: How “Good” Corporations Are Bad for Democracy, Joel reflects on two decades of investigating how corporations influence our societies, politics, and the environment. He shares the story behind the original book and documentary, explains why he felt compelled to return with an “unfortunately necessary sequel,” and explores the contradiction between corporations’ “caring” image and their growing power.Why are corporations now branding themselves as socially responsible actors? How has this narrative changed since the early 2000s? And what does it mean for democracy, inequality, and justice? Join us as we unpack these urgent questions with one of the leading critical voices on corporate accountability.🧠 Topics Covered:🏢 How Joel’s interest in corporate law and human rights converged🎬 The story behind The Corporation and its global impact📈 Why corporate power has expanded despite decades of critique💰 How “good” corporate branding obscures deeper structural harm🧩 The dangers of looking to corporations — instead of democracy — for solutions🔄 Why a sequel was “unfortunately necessary” in the post-Trump, post-COVID era👤 About the Guest:Joel Bakan is a professor of law at the University of British Columbia and an internationally recognized author and filmmaker. His work critically examines the legal and social frameworks that empower corporations at the expense of democracy, equality, and the environment. His books and films, including The Corporation and The New Corporation, have been widely acclaimed for their depth, clarity, and global influence.🖱️ Resources & Links:The Corporation – Documentary FilmThe New Corporation: How “Good” Corporations Are Bad for Democracy – Book & FilmJoel Bakan’s official website: https://joelbakan.comDonate to support Just Access: https://just-access.de/donate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Kathrin Zangerl, a pediatrician and global health researcher at the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, about why children must be at the center of climate change adaptation.Drawing on her clinical experience in Germany and Nepal, as well as her recent Lancet Child & Adolescent Health article analyzing 160 national adaptation plans, Kathrin explains why children are disproportionately impacted by climate change yet remain largely absent from climate policy. She reflects on the political and justice dimensions of this gap, highlights what meaningful child participation could look like, and shares ideas for how practitioners and the public can demand more child-centered approaches.Why are children more vulnerable to climate change? What happens when they are excluded from national adaptation strategies? And how can their rights and voices be embedded in climate governance? Join us as we explore these questions and more.🧠 Topics Covered:🌡️ Why children face unique health risks from climate change📜 Findings from a global study of 160 adaptation policies🚸 The justice gap: children as the least responsible, yet most affected🏫 What meaningful child participation in governance looks like🌍 How practitioners, policymakers, and the public can push for child-centered adaptation✊ Youth agency, activism, and hope for intergenerational climate justice🧑‍🏫 About the Guest:Dr. Kathrin Zangerl is a pediatrician and global health researcher at the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health. Her work focuses on planetary child health at the intersection of pediatrics, public health, and environmental sciences. She investigates how ecological disruptions affect children’s health and development, and how policies can better safeguard children’s rights in the context of climate change.🖱️ Resources & Links:Zangerl, K. et al. (2023). Child Health Prioritization in National Adaptation Policies on Climate Change (The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health) Open Access ArticleUNICEF: Children and Climate ChangeUN Committee on the Rights of the Child: General Comment on Children’s Rights and the EnvironmentDonate to support Just Access: https://just-access.de/donate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Martin Perron, a lawyer and developer at the Government of Canada, about how Rules as Code can transform the way we understand and use law.Martin explains how encoding legislation can help identify gaps, run simulations, and even power trustworthy government chatbots. He reflects on the promise of democratizing access to legal knowledge, shares concrete examples of how businesses and citizens could benefit, and offers practical ways for listeners to get involved in this emerging field.What difference does it make to encode laws instead of just writing them? How can this improve access to justice? And how can people from different backgrounds—law, tech, or beyond—contribute to the movement? Join us as we unpack these questions and more.🧠 Topics Covered:⚖️ Using Rules as Code as a drafting and evaluation tool in Canada💻 The Access to Information Act modernization project🔍 How encoding rules can cut costs and speed up access to justice🏛️ Global developments: Canada, France, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond🌍 Democratizing legal knowledge for citizens and businesses🎓 How students, technologists, and legal experts can contribute🧑‍🏫 About the Guest:Martin Perron is a lawyer and developer with the Government of Canada, where he works on Rules as Code and legal automation initiatives. His projects focus on building trustworthy applications that improve access to justice, streamline legal processes, and explore the intersection of law, technology, and AI.🖱️ Resources & Links:Rules as Code Guild: https://rulesascode.orgOpenFisca Community: https://openfisca.orgGeorgetown University’s Rules as Code team: https://www.georgetown.eduDonate to support Just Access: https://just-access.de/donate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we speak with Martin Perron, a lawyer and developer at the Government of Canada, about his unconventional path from law school to leading-edge work on Rules as Code.They explore how coding and law can be combined to make legislation clearer, more accessible, and more trustworthy. Martin also reflects on the potential of neuro-symbolic AI in legal applications and offers candid advice for students and young professionals navigating diverse interests.What does Rules as Code actually mean in practice? How can encoding legislation improve public understanding of complex legal obligations? And what can Martin’s story teach us about building unique expertise across disciplines? Join us as we unpack these questions and more.🧠 Topics Covered:⚖️ Martin’s journey from law student to lawyer-developer💻 What Rules as Code is and why it matters🧠 Neuro-symbolic AI and legal reasoning🔍 How coding can make laws clearer and easier to navigate🎓 Practical advice for students exploring multiple career paths🧑‍🏫 About the Guest:Martin Perron is a lawyer and developer with the Government of Canada, where he leads work on Rules as Code and hybrid neuro-symbolic AI initiatives. His projects focus on building trustworthy legal automation, simulation, and verification applications to improve access to justice.🖱️ Resources & Links:💡 Learn more about Just Access: https://just-access.de💸 Support our work: https://just-access.de/donate📧 Contact us: podcast@just-access.de💬 Get in Touch:📱 Follow, rate & share the podcast to help us grow our community of human rights defenders! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second part of our compelling discussion on peace and ceasefires, Dr. Miranda Melcher continues the conversation with Dr. Marika Sosnowski and Dr. Sanja Badanjak to explore the evolving landscape of ceasefires and peace agreements.They reflect on key trends from the 2024 data in the PA-X Peace Agreements Database, including the growing shift from comprehensive peace agreements to more fragmented, piecemeal negotiations. Together, they unpack what this means for global peacebuilding, humanitarian outcomes, and public expectations.Is a limited ceasefire better than no agreement at all? What should we look for in a peace deal to assess its effectiveness? What role do third parties and implementation mechanisms really play? Join us as we delve into these questions and more.🧠 Topics Covered:📊 New insights from the 2024 PA-X data release⚖️ Piecemeal vs. comprehensive peace agreements🤝 The role of ceasefires in humanitarian access🧩 Challenges of formal vs. informal peace talks🛑 What to watch for when peace deals are announced in the media🛠️ Practical design elements of ceasefires: timelines, power dynamics, third parties🧾 Surprising terms found in ceasefire agreements🧭 The future of peace mediation and data-driven analysis🧑‍🏫 About the Guests:Dr. Marika Sosnowski is a research fellow and legal scholar specializing in ceasefires, governance, and civil documentation in conflict zones.Dr. Sanja Badanjak is a political scientist and data director of the PA-X Peace Agreements Database at PeaceRep, University of Edinburgh.🖱️ Resources & Links:🔗 Explore the PA-X Database: https://www.peaceagreements.org🧪 Learn more about PeaceRep: https://peacerep.org💡 Read more about Just Access: https://just-access.de💬 Get in Touch:📧 Email us: podcast@just-access.de💸 Support our work: just-access.de/donate📱 Follow us and share the episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Just Access podcast, host Dr. Miranda Melcher dives into the complex world of ceasefires with two leading experts:🧠 Dr. Marika Sosnowski, legal scholar and author of Redefining Ceasefires: Wartime Order and Statebuilding in Syria, and📊 Dr. Sanja Badanjak, Data Director at PeaceRep and Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Edinburgh Law School.Together, they explore:How and why ceasefires matter in war-torn societiesThe importance of wording in ceasefire agreementsPower imbalances and what Dr. Sosnowski calls “strangle contracts”How the PA-X Peace Agreements Database supports both academic research and real-world peace negotiationsThe ethical and practical challenges of deciding which documents “count” as peace agreementsYou’ll hear fascinating personal stories, including how field experiences and unexpected career moves led both guests into peace and conflict research, and why access to original texts and data is vital for shaping better peacebuilding strategies.🔗 Mentioned in the episode:PA-X Peace Agreements Database: https://www.peaceagreements.org/Redefining Ceasefires by Dr. Marika SosnowskiPeaceRep: The Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue the conversation on current ceasefire trends, peace process dynamics, and what’s next in peace research.💬 We want to hear from you!Send your feedback, topic suggestions, or guest ideas to: podcast@just-access.de💡 Support our work:Just Access is a nonprofit organisation committed to access to justice and human rights. If you value our work, please consider donating: just-access.de/donate🔔 Subscribe & ShareIf you enjoy the podcast, follow us, rate us, and share with a friend. Every review helps spread the word and keep the conversation going. Because everyone can be a human rights defender. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second half of our conversation, Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Professor Dr. Chidi Oguamanam about the critical intersections of intellectual property, indigenous knowledge systems, and access to justice. Building on Part 1, this episode dives deep into the concept of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), its origins in the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the real-world implications of the Nagoya Protocol—or the lack thereof, particularly in Canada.Professor Oguamanam shares compelling examples from South Africa and Canada, such as the Rooibos tea economy and partnerships with the Cree Nation, to illustrate how equitable research practices and recognition of indigenous rights can foster justice. We also discuss the evolving challenges of digital sequence information and synthetic biology, highlighting gaps in current legal frameworks and the urgent need for policy innovation.💡 Whether you’re a law student, policy advocate, or simply curious about global justice, this episode offers powerful insights into how indigenous knowledge governance is shaping the future of legal and environmental discourse.🔍 Topics Covered:What is Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)?The Nagoya Protocol and Canada’s positionIndigenous stewardship of biodiversityCase studies: Rooibos tea (South Africa), Cree Nation (Canada)Bioethics, biopiracy, and digital sequence informationImplementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)Interdisciplinary approaches to justice and climate resilience🎧 Listen if you’re interested in:🌱 Biodiversity conservation📜 Indigenous rights🔬 Ethical research practices🌍 International law & policy🧬 Climate and health justice📬 Contact Us:Have questions, thoughts, or guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@just-access.de💖 Support Our Work:Just Access is a charity. If you believe in human rights and access to justice for all, please consider donating: just-access.de/donate📢 Spread the Word:If you enjoy the Just Access podcast, leave us a review, share with friends, and follow us on social media. Every bit helps us grow!🌐 Visit: just-access.de Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful first part of our conversation, Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Professor Dr. Chidi Oguamanam—legal scholar, researcher, and global voice on sustainable bio-innovation, indigenous knowledge systems, and knowledge governance. Professor Oguamanam explores how intellectual property law is fundamentally an access to justice issue, drawing on his lived experience in rural Africa, his legal career, and academic work across law, science, and ethics.Together, they unpack the conceptual divide between Western and indigenous models of knowledge production, the role of intellectual property in reinforcing inequality, and why recognizing traditional knowledge is essential for a fairer global system. The episode also highlights the significance of the 2024 WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge—a landmark step toward greater inclusion and accountability.🧠 Key Topics Covered:The interconnection between rural agriculture, biodiversity, and lawKnowledge governance as a human rights issueThe limitations of traditional IP frameworks in recognizing indigenous knowledgeThe symbolic and practical impact of the 2024 WIPO treatyConceptual divides between commercial and communal approaches to knowledgeJustice and inclusion in global innovation systems🔗 Resources:Learn more about Just AccessRead about the WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources and Traditional KnowledgeContact us at: podcast@just-access.de💡 Support Our Work:If you believe in accessible justice and the power of human rights education, consider supporting Just Access.👉 Donate here🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into community benefit sharing, indigenous legal traditions, and global governance reform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Just Access podcast, host Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Luca Brocca, a master’s student in European Studies at KU Leuven and a long-time member of Just Access. Luca discusses his journey from academic theory to impactful practice in the human rights field through his work with Just Access.Luca has worn many hats in the organization over the past two years: from legal intern to blog author, to Just Access representative to the UNCAC Coalition (UN Convention against Corruption), and formerly to the OSCE Network. He shares insights into what these roles actually involve—from participating in working group meetings and multistakeholder projects, to contributing legal analysis on anti-corruption and global food security.Together, they explore Luca’s recent blog post analyzing the European Court of Human Rights’ major ruling on Italy’s environmental failures in the Terra dei Fuochi case. The judgment not only addresses state obligations under Article 2 (right to life), but also signals a broader shift in climate and environmental litigation in Europe.🌍 Topics Covered:Luca’s evolving roles at Just Access, from intern to international representativeThe value of bridging human rights theory with legal action and communicationWhat it means to represent an NGO at UNCAC and OSCE forumsAn in-depth look at the Terra dei Fuochi case and its significanceHow strategic litigation is influencing European human rights jurisprudenceRelated climate and environmental cases to follow at the ECtHR👤 Guest Bio:Luca Brocca is a master’s student at KU Leuven, specializing in EU external relations, space law, and security. At Just Access, he serves as the representative to the UNCAC Coalition, contributes legal blogs, and works closely with the strategic litigation team. His earlier role with the OSCE Network focused on global food security and inspired his undergraduate thesis.🔗 Links & Resources:Luca’s blog post on the Terra dei Fuochi caseUNCAC CoalitionOSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic InstitutionsFollow Just Access on Twitter💬 Join the Conversation:If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review, share it on social media, and send your thoughts to podcast@just-access.de.❤️ Support Just Access:We’re a nonprofit working to promote human rights and legal accountability. Help us continue our work by donating at just-access.de/donate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of our compelling conversation, Professors Jane Bailey and Valerie Steeves continue to unpack the complex realities of surveillance, privacy, and children’s rights in the digital age. Building on their extensive research and advocacy through The eQuality Project, they explore how tech design, gender, and systemic bias intersect in online environments—and what it means for youth today.Together, we examine:The myth of the “neutral” internetHow tech platforms design for profit—not protectionThe ongoing struggle to foreground children’s dignity and agencyWhy meaningful privacy rights require cultural and structural changeWhether you’re a parent, educator, policymaker, or digital rights advocate, this episode offers eye-opening insights into how we can push for safer, more inclusive digital futures.🔗 Links & Resources:The eQuality Project: https://www.equalityproject.caPart 1 of this interview: https://shows.acast.com/6666be8ab6f3d900125875e8🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.💬 Got feedback or questions? Reach out on social media or visit our website at https://just-access.de/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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: podcast@just-access.de Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: podcast@just-access.de🎧 Listen now on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ 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 podcast@just-access.de💙 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.

🌍 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: podcast@just-access.de🌍 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.

In this episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher continues her insightful discussion with Amy Rose, the Global Director of Litigation, Governance, and Legal Services at ClientEarth. Amy shares her expertise on the evolving landscape of climate litigation, the challenges of systemic change, and the innovative strategies used to address the world’s most pressing environmental issues.From groundbreaking human rights cases to biodiversity protection and sustainable food systems, Amy reveals the intricate processes behind ClientEarth’s work and highlights the role of strategic litigation in creating impactful change. The conversation also touches on gaps in access to justice and the inspiring role of younger generations in driving environmental advocacy.Key Topics Covered:•The current state and future of climate litigation (01:37)•Strategic litigation beyond climate: tackling biodiversity loss, marine ecosystems, and sustainable food systems (07:18)•The importance of collaboration and systems thinking in ClientEarth’s approach (09:16)•Navigating challenges in standing, causation, and extraterritoriality in litigation (17:00)•Access to justice gaps in the EU’s state aid system (23:00)•Inspiring hope: the role of younger generations in environmental advocacy (26:12)Call to Action:If you’re inspired by Amy’s work and want to support access to justice and environmental advocacy, consider donating to Just Access by visiting just-access.de/donate. Every contribution helps us continue our mission to make human rights effective for all.Connect With Us:•Follow us on social media and share this episode with your friends.•Email us your feedback or topic suggestions at podcast@just-access.de.•Don’t forget to leave a review on your favorite podcast app – we’d love to hear your thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Just Access Podcast, host Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Amy Rose, the Global Director of Litigation, Governance, and Legal Services at ClientEarth. ClientEarth is a world-leading environmental organization that uses the law to tackle pressing environmental challenges.In this first part of their conversation, Amy shares her journey into law—from her beginnings in political science to her global career in litigation, including her impactful work at ClientEarth. They explore:•The evolution of Amy’s career, from commercial litigation to environmental advocacy.•The power of strategic litigation as a tool for systemic change.•Why broad legal experience is valuable for addressing complex challenges.•Amy’s advice for aspiring human rights defenders and environmental advocates.💡 Key takeaway: Strategic litigation is a high-leverage tool to protect the environment and enforce the rule of law, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle in the fight for justice.🎧 Don’t miss Part 2, where Amy and Miranda discuss the state of strategic litigation today and the gaps in access to justice. Hit follow to stay updated!📩 Contact us: podcast@just-access.de🌍 Support us: just-access.de/donate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show Notes: Just Access Podcast, Season 3 Launch (Part 2)In this special episode of the Just Access Podcast, host Dr. Miranda Melcher dives into inspiring conversations with Dr. Tom Sparks, Director of Just Access, and Cvetanka Kiroska, Head of Projects. This episode continues the Season 3 launch in celebration of International Human Rights Day and the podcast's second anniversary.Highlights of the Episode:1.    Cvetanka Kiroska’s JourneyGrowing up during Yugoslavia's turbulent collapse and finding refuge in literature, music, and languages.Her path from translating and interpreting to working on conflict resolution and multi-ethnic education projects in Macedonia.Eye-opening experiences in international human rights, including working with families of missing persons in the Balkans and NGOs assisting refugees.Joining Just Access and shaping the organization’s impactful projects.2.    Dr. Tom Sparks’ Path to LeadershipFrom participating in mock trials as a teen to studying law and specializing in international law.His advocacy journey with Amnesty International, learning human rights governance, and leading impactful initiatives.Transitioning from academia to Just Access to combine legal expertise with practical human rights work.3.    Behind the Scenes of the PodcastThe origin story of the Just Access Podcast and the creative process behind its production.Insights into the team’s vision: amplifying human rights stories and inspiring everyone to be a defender of justice.Challenges and rewards of launching a podcast from scratch.4.    Dream GuestsGuests they aspire to feature, including global leaders like UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türck, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, and activist Omar Alshogre.Highlighting the importance of showcasing both prominent figures and everyday heroes advocating for justice.5.    Just Access in ActionThe organization's three pillars: Strategic Litigation, Advocacy, and Education.Dr. Sparks shares how the podcast is central to educating and inspiring listeners worldwide.Ways to get involved: internships, volunteering, donations, and more. Get InvolvedInspired by this episode? Here’s how you can support Just Access:Share the podcast with friends and on social media.Explore the blog and other resources on Just Access's website.Volunteer or donate to support human rights and access to justice.🎙️ Tune in, Subscribe, and Support:Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app and let us know your thoughts at podcast@just-access.de. Together, let’s make a difference—because you too can be a human rights defender! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔔 Episode Summary:Welcome to Season 3 of Just Access! As we celebrated our two-year anniversary and International Human Rights Day, we bring you a special two-part episode exploring the mission and origins of Just Access. In this first part, host Dr. Miranda Melcher sits down with Dr. Mark Somos, the founder of Just Access and a leading figure in human rights law.Mark shares his powerful journey: from a childhood in communist Hungary marked by poverty, resistance, and secret acts of solidarity, to an inspiring career advising governments, winning landmark human rights cases, and founding Just Access. Through personal stories and professional insights, Mark reflects on the lifelong importance of human rights and access to justice.We also discuss the role of the podcast in furthering Just Access’s mission — empowering everyone to be a human rights defender — and Mark shares a dream list of potential guests whose voices could amplify these conversations. From global leaders to innovative scholars, his list inspires us to think big about the future of human rights.🔑 Key Topics Discussed:•Mark’s upbringing in communist Hungary and how human rights shaped his early life.•The experiences and activism that led to the founding of Just Access in 2020.•Why a podcast became part of Just Access’s vision to reach new audiences and foster collaboration.•Dream guests for future episodes — from Aung San Suu Kyi to experts on climate change, international law, and technology.•Mark’s reflections on raising the next generation of human rights defenders.🌟 Guest Bio:Dr. Mark Somos is the founder of Just Access and a Heisenberg Professor at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law. A lawyer, scholar, and human rights advocate, Mark has represented clients before the International Court of Justice, the UN Human Rights Council, and other global forums. He is the author of five books and over 60 scholarly articles.🎧 Tune In Next Time:In part two of this special, Dr. Miranda Melcher will be joined by Just Access’s current director, Dr. Tom Sparks, and Cvetanka Kiroska, Head of Projects, to discuss where the organization and podcast are heading next.📢 Follow & Support Us:•Website: Just Access•Subscribe to the podcast on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/Your Preferred Platform]•Follow us on social media: [Twitter/LinkedIn/Facebook/Bluesky/Mastodon/Instagram/TikTok]🎤 Have Feedback or Suggestions?We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at: contact@just-access.de 💰You can also support us by donating at: https://just-access.de/donate/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.