Conference: Intersectionality, human rights justification, and civil society engagement

Co-organised by the University of Valencia, the World Trade Institute of the University of Bern, and the Institute of International Relations Prague (IIR), this international conference marked a major milestone for the Horizon Europe-funded HRJust project. Dr Federica Cristani of IIR contributed significantly to the programme, presenting key research outcomes and tools developed within the project. 

Dr Cristani, representing IIR within the HRJust consortium, contributed to two sessions of the conference, where she presented key project tools—the Intersect Observatory and the HRJust Climate Claims Database—developed in cooperation with the World Trade Institute. These digital platforms offer new ways to monitor how states justify their actions in climate litigation and highlight the role of civil society in shaping legal outcomes. 

She also introduced the project’s innovative methodology for Systematic Ongoing Civil Society Engagement (ODCSE), which supports more inclusive and participatory democratic practices through intersectional and gender-sensitive approaches. Her presentation reflected the project's broader aim to connect legal research with real-world civil society needs. 

The conference featured a rich programme of speakers from academic and institutional backgrounds, covering issues such as gender-based violence, labour rights, and migration. A highlight of the event was a visit to the Oficina d’Assistència a les Víctimes del Delicte, offering valuable insight into victim support systems in practice. The event underscored the growing relevance of the HRJust project and confirmed the importance of inclusive human rights advocacy. We are pleased that Dr Cristani could represent IIR in such a meaningful and impactful setting.