Global Campus Europe: EMA
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European Master in Human Rights and Democratisation Theses written in partial fulfilment of master's degree
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ItemWhen whispers turned to scream. Path to the 2020 near abortion ban and the role of the Catholic Church( 2024)This thesis examines the profound influence of the Catholic Church on Poland's increasingly restrictive abortion laws, culminating in the near-total ban of 2020. It explores how, despite Poland's transition to democracy post-1989, women's reproductive rights have paradoxically regressed, with abortion laws becoming more stringent than during the communist era. The study begins by contrasting the concept of abortion as a human right with the Catholic Church's stance on the sanctity of life. It then analyzes the Church's methods of exerting influence, both direct and indirect, on Polish society and politics. The research delves into the historical and cultural foundations of the Church's power in Poland, including the 'Polak-Katolik' identity and the legacy of Pope John Paul II. By examining the Church's role in shaping abortion legislation in postcommunist Poland, with particular focus on its relationship with the Law and Justice party and the 2020 Constitutional Tribunal verdict, this thesis argues that the Catholic Church's impact extends far beyond overt political action, permeating Polish cultural identity and moral frameworks. This comprehensive analysis provides crucial insights into the complex dynamics of religion, politics, and reproductive rights in contemporary Poland.
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ItemThe right to education in Turkish prisons within the context of the European Convention on Human Rights( 2024)This thesis investigates Türkiye's obligations regarding prisoners' right to education under international law, national law and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), with a focus on the discrepancies between legal frameworks and practical implementation. The study highlights the historical evolution of education as a fundamental human right and examines Türkiye's legislative context, noting significant challenges in funding and educational quality. The research delves into European influences on Türkiye's penal policies, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and education in modern prison systems. Despite Türkiye's legislative efforts, significant restrictions on prisoners' access to education remain. Practical challenges in implementation include overcrowding, limited access to educational resources, and financial constraints, which hinder prisoners' educational pursuits. The study calls for comprehensive legal reforms to broaden rehabilitative activities, ensure fair evaluation criteria, remove barriers to higher education and Internet access, and enhance financial support for prisoners. In conclusion, addressing these deficiencies is crucial for Türkiye to align its practices with human rights standards and improve its prison reform approach, emphasizing education as a key tool for rehabilitation and reintegration.
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ItemUnravelling the complexities of early child marriage in Romanian Roma communities: exploring culture, gender, and policy( 2024)The topic of the thesis is the practice of child marriage within certain Roma communities in Romania. The aim of the thesis is to prove the presupposition that Romania has not implemented sufficient efforts to address and combat child marriage in Roma communities. The thesis centres around four research questions: How do historical experiences of discrimination, social exclusion and economic conditions influence the practice of early arranged marriage within Roma communities in Romania?; How do intersecting forms of discrimiantion impact the lives of Roma women in Romania and how are they related to early arranged marriages?; What national policies and strategies has Romania adopted to combat child marriage within Roma communities? What strategies or frameworks should Romania adopt to effectively intervene and eradicate early arranged marriages within Roma communities?
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ItemOil extractivism and the forgotten rights of children: a mixed-method study of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and its impacts on children’s rights( 2024)Oil extractivism driven by transnational corporations exacerbates existing inequalities, undermining children’s rights and welfare, thereby revealing a critical gap in international discussions on fossil fuels and children’s rights. This thesis explores the disproportionate impact of oil extraction activities on children, highlighting their marginalization in global discourse despite their heightened vulnerability to climate change, as well as the environmental and social disruption caused by these oil projects. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilises a comparative methodology to analyse how oil extraction perpetuates neo-colonial power dynamics from North to South. It conducts systematic and empirical analyses of existing literature to gather the qualitative and quantitative data on children affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in Uganda. Additionally, a comparative legal analysis comprehensively examines existing frameworks protecting children in extractive oil projects, proposing enhancements for improved corporate diligence by oil majors. The thesis proposes actionable recommendations for TotalEnergies to enhance children’s rights within the context of EACOP, where it holds the largest stake. Central to the thesis is the engagement of children as rights-holders and stakeholders in oil projects. This research is the first to focus on the condition of children within the EACOP project, aiming to influence corporate diligence and raise awareness of children’s rights in current and future oil projects. Key words: children’s rights; oil extractivism, child-rights mainstreaming, transnational corporations, due diligence, EACOP
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ItemIncorporating a rights of nature approach into the EU legal framework. Exploring legal mechanisms for enhanced Wadden sea habitat protection( 2024)This thesis explores the incorporation of a Rights of Nature approach into the legal framework of the European Union on habitat protection. The study assesses the existing EU environmental framework and the barriers to Rights of Nature in the EU. It further analyzes international case studies where Rights of Nature have been implemented. Drawing from this analysis, the study explores the feasibility and effectiveness of three legal instruments regarding the objective of enhancing habitat protection in the Wadden Sea. Through a comparison of these legal mechanisms, the thesis identifies practical implications of incorporating a Rights of Nature approach into the EU legal framework, in particular concerning the criteria for legal standing. The findings suggest that each legal mechanism faces significant challenges to incorporating a Rights of Nature approach, especially if not accompanied by a broader ecocentric shift across the EU legal framework. The implications of this study therefore have significance beyond the case of the Wadden Sea, providing insights into the broader integration of Rights of Nature into EU environmental law.