Anushka Sehmi
Before beginning the MSt in Human Rights Law, I had spent over a decade working in international criminal justice, including as a Trial Lawyer before the International Criminal Court and in various roles within UN and ICC mechanisms. My work centred on victims of conflict, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and sexual and gender‑based violence, combining courtroom advocacy with field investigations and sustained engagement with affected communities. Although this experience gave me a strong practical grounding in human rights and international criminal law, I wanted to consolidate and deepen that knowledge through rigorous academic study. I applied for the programme while working on the Ongwen case because its flexible structure allowed me to continue my professional responsibilities while strengthening my theoretical foundations. The MSt offered the ideal opportunity to cement the human rights expertise I had developed in practice and to situate my work within broader scholarly debates.
Taking the MSt in Human Rights Law was one of the most rewarding academic experiences of my career. The online structure worked seamlessly alongside my professional commitments, allowing me to continue my work on complex international criminal cases while engaging deeply with the course material. The summer residence was a particular highlight: an energising opportunity to meet other professionals with similar interests, exchange ideas, and build a genuine sense of community. Being in Oxford itself was incomparable—the intellectual atmosphere, the historic colleges, and the stimulating classes created an environment that was both rigorous and inspiring. The teaching was exceptional, and the collegial, supportive dynamic among students made the programme not only academically enriching but genuinely enjoyable. The course offered the perfect balance of flexibility, depth, and engagement, enabling me to grow academically while remaining fully immersed in my professional work.
Since graduating, I have continued my career in international criminal justice and now serve as a Legal Officer with the United Nations in Kosovo. The MSt in Human Rights Law has had a direct and lasting impact on my professional life, particularly in strengthening my understanding of the UN human rights framework and its practical application in mission settings. I draw on the knowledge gained at Oxford every day, especially in areas relating to women, peace and security, non‑discrimination, and the protection of vulnerable groups. The programme deepened the theoretical foundations of the human rights issues I had previously encountered in practice, enabling me to approach complex legal questions with greater analytical clarity and confidence. It also broadened my perspective on how human rights norms shape governance, policy, and accountability within UN field operations.