In this episode of the Just Access podcast, host Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Luca Brocca, a master’s student in European Studies at KU Leuven and a long-time member of Just Access. Luca discusses his journey from academic theory to impactful practice in the human rights field through his work with Just Access.

Luca has worn many hats in the organization over the past two years: from legal intern to blog author, to Just Access representative to the UNCAC Coalition (UN Convention against Corruption), and formerly to the OSCE Network. He shares insights into what these roles actually involve—from participating in working group meetings and multistakeholder projects, to contributing legal analysis on anti-corruption and global food security.

Together, they explore Luca’s recent blog post analyzing the European Court of Human Rights’ major ruling on Italy’s environmental failures in the Terra dei Fuochi case. The judgment not only addresses state obligations under Article 2 (right to life), but also signals a broader shift in climate and environmental litigation in Europe.

🌍 Topics Covered:

• Luca’s evolving roles at Just Access, from intern to international representative
• The value of bridging human rights theory with legal action and communication
• What it means to represent an NGO at UNCAC and OSCE forums
• An in-depth look at the Terra dei Fuochi case and its significance
• How strategic litigation is influencing European human rights jurisprudence
• Related climate and environmental cases to follow at the ECtHR

👤 Guest Bio:

Luca Brocca is a master’s student at KU Leuven, specializing in EU external relations, space law, and security. At Just Access, he serves as the representative to the UNCAC Coalition, contributes legal blogs, and works closely with the strategic litigation team. His earlier role with the OSCE Network focused on global food security and inspired his undergraduate thesis.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Luca’s blog post on the Terra dei Fuochi case
• UNCAC Coalition
• OSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic Institutions
• Follow Just Access on Twitter

💬 Join the Conversation:

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