Hylla Barbosa

Brazil | Graduated in 2021

Thoughts on the programme: The FAU Master of Arts in Human Rights programme was an optimal choice for my career path. It provided a solid foundation of international human rights while enabling me to focus on subjects that align with my interests.  A multicultural environment also provided a great experience since the programme receives students from all over the world, resulting in a valuable knowledge exchange.

The well-prepared Professors are available in the programme cover different areas of knowledge, providing a multidisciplinary approach which is the differential of this programme at FAU. Additionally, the programme team is always available, committed and willing to help the students in any aspect.

Moreover, FAU offers several language courses and extension projects, which students can apply for. The Human Rights Talks, for example, was an incredible experience for me since I had the opportunity to discuss judicial approaches of different regional human rights systems (America, Africa, and Europe).

Coming from Brazil, I was always very interested in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the human rights challenges present in the Latin American context. My interests were accommodated in this programme since these topics were well addressed, and the Professors were motivated to discuss further and provide extra materials aligned to the student’s interest.

Professional background: I am a lawyer enrolled in the Brazilian Bar Association and a former member of their Human Rights Commission of the state of Minas Gerais. I have volunteered in different NGOs related to human rights education and indigenous people in Brazil. Before I start my studies at FAU, I was an intern at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in Washington DC. Currently, I am living in Oslo, where I am doing a trainee program at the Human Rights Academy.