News

2026 Human Rights Essay Contest
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
ISHR is pleased to announce the 2026 Human Rights Essay Contest. The contest aims to encourage and acknowledge students who have written exceptional academic papers that address issues related to human rights. Cash prizes will be awarded to two graduate students and to two undergraduate students. Contest winners, along with other selected participants, may be invited to present their essay at an ISHR event.
ISHR hosted a talk with H.E. Ambassador Jürg Lauber, President of the UN Human Rights Council
Thursday, November 13, 2025

On Thursday, October 30th, the Institute for the Study of Human Rights hosted a conversation with H.E. Ambassador Jürg Lauber, President of the Human Rights Council and Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations in Geneva. The talk was moderated by Human Rights M.A. student, Céline Pfister. Gergana Halpern, ISHR Deputy Director, gave introductory remarks. 

ISHR hosted a "Community Engagement for Human Rights Practitioners" training
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
On Friday, October 10, 2025, ISHR hosted a training titled "Community Engagement for Human Rights Practitioners." 
ISHR Students Presented at the 2025 Columbia Undergraduate Research Symposium
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
On Friday, October 17, two ISHR students presented at the 2025 Columbia Undergraduate Research Symposium. Below is an abstract of their projects:
Tooli Shariah GS’26, Human Rights, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies 
Faculty Supervisor: Andrew Nathan 
My Best Friend the Goat: Bedouin Bonds with Camels, Goats, and the Art of Survival 
2025-26 Human Rights Research Award
Friday, August 22, 2025

The Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR) is inviting faculty to submit proposals for the Human Rights Research Award.

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