This year, the ‘In Focus’ theme is sanctuary. The idea behind this theme is to explore how marginalised communities can achieve sanctuary on this planet. Importantly, in Volume X, we wanted writers to interrogate the concept of the ‘human’ in human rights discourse by focusing on the environment, other species and groups often depicted as less-than-human. We hope the probing work of University of Leeds undergraduate students will encourage you to expand your definition of human rights and what or who is included in its framework.

This year, our In Focus theme is Transition. The theme is to highlight the countless transitions we have faced in history and, more recently, the past year. Our lives have been (and continue to be) characterised by transitions: which have been well captured through the excellent work of University of Leeds undergraduate students, in this publication.

This year, the ‘In Focus’ theme is Protest. The theme is to highlight the struggle of many across the world in protesting abuses, and advocating for improved human rights; displaying the excellent work of University of Leeds undergraduate students.

This year, the ‘In Focus’ theme is The Border. The idea behind this theme is to examine the issues created by both physical and psychological borders through the excellent work of University of Leeds undergraduate students.

This year, the ‘In Focus’ theme is The Forgotten. The thrust of this theme is to shed light on underreported human rights atrocities through the interrogative work of University of Leeds undergraduate students. From the forgotten war crimes of the Korean War, to the hidden human rights violations of the shipping industry, Volume VI of the Leeds Human Rights Journal aims to provide a global commentary of the human rights debates both past and ongoing.

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’s journal consists of work from students of History, Languages, Politics, Philosophy, Sociology, Dentistry and English. Our pieces take us across the globe – from Israel to America and from Saudi Arabia to Uganda.

In November, the University celebrated Human Rights Week, a product of the tireless work, imagination and dedication of students who are committed to stand up to the injustices they see in the world around them. I hope that in the same spirit, this project will grow to become part of the fabric of human rights work on campus.

This publication represents a year’s work by an incredibly talented and dedicated group of undergraduates. Beyond just gaining high marks, students considering a career in academia had no way in which to experience the world of academic publishing.