In this powerful first part of our conversation, Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Professor Dr. Chidi Oguamanam—legal scholar, researcher, and global voice on sustainable bio-innovation, indigenous knowledge systems, and knowledge governance. Professor Oguamanam explores how intellectual property law is fundamentally an access to justice issue, drawing on his lived experience in rural Africa, his legal career, and academic work across law, science, and ethics.

Together, they unpack the conceptual divide between Western and indigenous models of knowledge production, the role of intellectual property in reinforcing inequality, and why recognizing traditional knowledge is essential for a fairer global system. The episode also highlights the significance of the 2024 WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge—a landmark step toward greater inclusion and accountability.

• The interconnection between rural agriculture, biodiversity, and law
• Knowledge governance as a human rights issue
• The limitations of traditional IP frameworks in recognizing indigenous knowledge
• The symbolic and practical impact of the 2024 WIPO treaty
• Conceptual divides between commercial and communal approaches to knowledge
• Justice and inclusion in global innovation systems

• Learn more about Just Access
• Read about the WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge
• Contact us at: podcast@just-access.de

If you believe in accessible justice and the power of human rights education, consider supporting Just Access.

👉 Donate here

🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into community benefit sharing, indigenous legal traditions, and global governance reform.

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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:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review, share it on social media, and send your thoughts to podcast@just-access.de.

❤️ Support Just Access:

We’re a nonprofit working to promote human rights and legal accountability. Help us continue our work by donating at just-access.de/donate.

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In Part 2 of our compelling conversation, Professors Jane Bailey and Valerie Steeves continue to unpack the complex realities of surveillance, privacy, and children’s rights in the digital age. Building on their extensive research and advocacy through The eQuality Project, they explore how tech design, gender, and systemic bias intersect in online environments—and what it means for youth today.

Together, we examine:

• The myth of the “neutral” internet
• How tech platforms design for profit—not protection
• The ongoing struggle to foreground children’s dignity and agency
• Why meaningful privacy rights require cultural and structural change

Whether you’re a parent, educator, policymaker, or digital rights advocate, this episode offers eye-opening insights into how we can push for safer, more inclusive digital futures.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• The eQuality Project: https://www.equalityproject.ca
• Part 1 of this interview: https://shows.acast.com/6666be8ab6f3d900125875e8

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

💬 Got feedback or questions? Reach out on social media or visit our website at https://just-access.de/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.