 |
Just AccessYour Gateway to Global Human Rights Conversations Author: Just Access
Just Access Podcast: Your Gateway to Global Human Rights ConversationsWelcome to the Just Access Podcast, where we delve into the dynamic world of human rights with compelling conversations and insightful interviews. Hosted by Dr. Miranda Melcher, our podcast brings you closer to the heart of human rights advocacy, featuring in-depth discussions with a diverse array of notable figuresfrom academics and international officials to frontline human rights defenders.About the Just Access PodcastEach episode of the Just Access Podcast is meticulously crafted to shed light on the myriad aspects of human rights. We explore pressing issues, share personal stories, and dissect complex challenges in the realms of social, economic, cultural, and environmental rights. Our goal is to provide a platform for thought-provoking dialogue, informed by expertise and experience, that inspires action and fosters a deeper understanding of human rights worldwide.Diverse Voices, Unified MissionThe Just Access Podcast is committed to amplifying diverse voices in the human rights community. Our guests range from seasoned academics to international officials and courageous human rights defenders working on the ground. These conversations offer a multifaceted perspective on human rights issues, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain.Advancing Human Rights through Education and AdvocacyThe Just Access Podcast is more than just a series of interviews; it is a crucial component of Just Access's mission to support human rights worldwide. By engaging with experts and activists, we aim to educate our listeners, raise awareness, and inspire advocacy. Each episode is a step towards building a more just and equitable world.Join the Conversation!Subscribe to the Just Access Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and be part of a global community dedicated to human rights. Whether you are a student, an activist, or simply someone who cares about justice, our podcast offers valua Language: en Genres: Government, News, Politics Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
What is Human Rights Activists in Iran and what do they do?
Episode 14
Monday, 14 September, 2026
In this episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Skyler Thompson, Deputy Director, and Jennifer Connet, Legal Advisor, at Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA). They discuss HRA’s origins, its work documenting human rights violations in Iran, and its submission to the German Federal Prosecutor requesting a structural investigation into crimes committed in Iran. Skyler and Jennifer share their journeys into human rights work and introduce HRA, founded inside Iran in 2006 by student activist Keyvan Rafie. They explain how its network of on-the-ground documenters remains central to its work today.The conversation explores the structural investigation requested in Germany, including how it can support evidence collection, identify patterns of violations, and map chains of command for potential future prosecutions. Jennifer discusses the repression of nationwide protests in December 2025 and January 2026, including arrests, forced confessions, and executions. She explains why Germany’s universal jurisdiction framework and experience with structural investigations make it an important jurisdiction for accountability.The episode also examines the limitations of pursuing justice in Iran and through the International Criminal Court, the importance of realistic expectations for victims and survivors, and the role of documentation in preserving a historical record. Finally, the guests discuss next steps, including continued evidence collection and cooperation between European jurisdictions.👤 Guest BioSkyler ThompsonDeputy Director of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA).Joined HRA in 2020 as its first advocacy officer.Previously worked on criminal justice reform in the United States.Holds an LLM from the University of Essex.Jennifer ConnetLegal Advisor at HRA.Human rights and international humanitarian law specialist.Holds an LLM from the University of Essex.Previously worked with USAID and in humanitarian aid.Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA)Founded in Iran in 2006.Based in Washington, DC, with a global team.Documents human rights violations and international crimes in Iran.Works to preserve evidence and support future accountability.📚 Resources & LinksJust Access Podcast – https://just-access.de/podcastDonate / support Just Access – https://just-access.de/donateContact the show – podcast@just-access.deHuman Rights Activists in Iran (HRA)German universal jurisdiction and structural investigationsInternational Criminal Court (ICC)🗒️ Key Take-AwaysHuman rights work often begins with education, mentorship, and following one’s interests.HRA’s network of documenters helps bring information about violations inside Iran to the outside world.Structural investigations can support evidence preservation, identify patterns of violations, and map chains of command.Germany’s universal jurisdiction framework provides an important pathway toward accountability for international crimes.Documentation preserves a historical record and supports future prosecutions.Realistic expectations and meaningful engagement with victims and survivors are essential.Continued evidence collection and cooperation between European jurisdictions are important for accountability.📢 Call to ActionSubscribe to the Just Access Podcast to receive future episodes.Share this episode with colleagues and networks interested in Iran, international criminal law, and human rights.Listen to Part 2 of the conversation with Skyler Thompson and Jennifer Connet.Leave a review on your preferred podcast platform.Support Just Access’s work at [https://just-access.de/donate](https://just-access.de/donate).Everyone can be a human rights defender. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
