Volume 5, Issue 1, Summer 2017

Dear Readers,

Welcome to Volume 5, Issue 1, of the University of Leeds Human Rights Journal.

I hope you enjoy reading the brilliant work that has been produced by our peers as much as I have. I would firstly like to thank the Editorial Team for their commitment to the journal this year. Without the Managing Editors, Peer Reviewers, Graphic Designer and Online Co-ordinator, the journal would not have come into fruition. Thank you for your brilliant work ethic and passion for the journal’s message.

The HRJ’s purpose, as the only undergraduate journal of its kind in the country, is to create a unique platform for students to discuss human rights issues through academic or creative work. In doing so, it is hoped that the journal will stimulate discussions about the issues found within. I have had the privilege of working on the Editorial Board for two years now and HRJ has subsequently been an important feature of my university experience. It has been hugely rewarding and I believe that it will only continue to grow bigger and better in the future.

This year’s journal consists of work from students of History, English, Law, Politics, French and International Development and Geographical Science. This diversity of subjects is what makes the journal so special. This year we were overwhelmed with the number of submissions we received, and I would like to thank all those who submitted for the time and effort they put into their pieces and for the support they gave the journal. Whether academic or creative, the submissions have dealt with a whole host of topics. The quantity and quality of the submissions highlights the talent of the students at Leeds.

The funding for this year’s journal was provided by the Faculty of ESSL. I would especially like to thank the faculty’s Dean, Jeremy Higham for his continued support of the journal. Without such funding, it would not be possible to bring the HRJ to life. I would also like to extend my thanks to Miranda Butler for the time she gave to the journal and the unique perspective she has given this edition.

Positions for next year’s Editorial Team open in May. Please contact us at hrj@leeds.ac.uk if you are interested in applying.

Ruth Butler

Editor-in-Chief, 2016-2017