Human rights career event and Sam Pegram Award ceremony

Event details

This is a fantastic opportunity to explore careers in human rights, hear from experts in the field, and connect with like-minded students. 

We are delighted to welcome Hugo van der Merwe, Head of National Advocacy and Technical Support at Global Survivors Fund (GSF), who will share invaluable insights into what it takes to build a career in human rights and transitional justice.

Agenda

Human Rights Careers Talk and Q&A (1:30 – 3:00 pm)
Hear from experts and CAHR alumni about working in human rights and/or pursuing further study through an MA, LLM or PhD in the field. Speakers include:

• Hugo van der Merwe (Global Survivors Fund): Hugo has over 25 years of experience in transitional justice. Formerly with the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) in South Africa, he has led research, advocacy, and intervention projects across Africa.
  
  
• Samantha Holmes: Samantha is the Generating Respect Hub Coordinator, a CAHR Research Associate, and a Researcher for the Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict. She is an alumna of the LLM in International Human Rights Law and Practice.

• Dr Lucy Martin: Lucy is a social change consultant, CAHR Research Associate, and Trustee/Director of The Green House. She holds a PhD in Politics and MAs in Applied Human Rights and Political Research.

• Chloe Deyes: Chloe is a York-based, youth-focused freelancer and an alumna of the MA in Applied Human Rights.

• Maro Pantazidou: Maro is a PhD student at CAHR with a decade of experience as a facilitator, researcher, activist, and strategist focusing on social movements. 

Comfort Break (3:00 – 3:30 pm)

Sam Pegram Humanitarian Foundation Presentation (3:30 – 4:00 pm)
Mark and Debbie Pegram will share the inspiring work of the Sam Pegram Humanitarian Foundation, established in memory of their son Sam Pegram, a CAHR alumnus who tragically lost his life in 2019 while working to support people on the move. They will also speak about opportunities to get involved in the Foundation’s work, including potential volunteer roles for students passionate about humanitarian advocacy.

Sam Pegram Award Presentations (4:00 – 5:00 pm)
CAHR’s distinctive placement modules offer students the chance to work with human rights, humanitarian and development organisations in South Africa or the UK. These placements are central to the hands-on, reflexive approach that defines our teaching and research. Each year, CAHR honours outstanding Placement groups whose work has demonstrated a strong commitment to reflexive human rights practice. The award is named after Sam Pegram, whose dedication, thoughtfulness, and reflective approach continue to inspire us. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the placements and to be inspired by this year’s award recipients.

Social Gathering (from 5:00 pm)
Join us for a relaxed reception with drinks and pizza.