Rewarding to apply what she learned in practice

Hewan Haileselassie, an alumnus from the Master’s programme in Constitutional Law and Human Rights, Umeå University, currently works as a Programme Officer at Civil Rights Defenders, Stockholm, Sweden. 

Image: Tony Hultkvist

Hewan Haileselassie, originally from East Africa, was actively looking for a master’s programme in human rights, and Sweden stood out to her as a country well known for its strong commitment to human rights.  When she came across the Master’s Programme in Constitutional Law and Human Rights at Umeå University it immediately caught her attention because of its unique combination of both fields. – It was exactly what I was looking for, Hewan says. 

A dynamic and engaging learning environment
Hewan really enjoyed her time at the programme and recommends it to anyone interested in constitutional law and human rights. – Even if your focus is on just one of these areas, the combination offers a broader and deeper understanding that’s incredibly valuable whether you plan to work at the national or international level in human rights, Hewan says. She liked the structure of the courses, and she felt that every lecture and seminar offered new insights, and that the discussions were especially enriching thanks to the diverse perspectives from both Swedish and international students. – It was a dynamic and engaging learning environment and as an international student, you receive all the necessary support from the professors and the department staff, which makes the experience even better, Hewan explains.

An unforgettable time spent in Umeå
Hewan’s experience in Umeå was not solely about her studies; she also found the unique nature and northern location unforgettable. – I was lucky to catch a glimpse of the northern lights right from my student corridor window, an absolutely magical experience, she says. She also found the snowy landscapes that lit up the city in winter truly beautiful. 

She also participated in the Buddy programme at the University which she loved. – I met both international and Swedish students there and took part in fun activities, Hewan says. 

Her studies laid a strong foundation for her career
Hewan is currently working as a Programme Officer at Civil Rights Defenders, an international human rights organization based in Stockholm. They support and collaborate with human rights defenders in some of the world’s most repressive countries, working across four continents. – The most rewarding part of my job is seeing how I can apply what I’ve learned in practice. It is also incredibly inspiring to work closely with courageous partners who operate in repressive environments and that gives my work real meaning, Hewan says. 

Her studies in the programme equipped her with the essential knowledge and skills needed to apply for her current job. – Courses like Rule of Law, Accountability, and EU Law were particularly valuable, as they prepared me to work on human rights cases and EU-related projects in my current role, Hewan explains.