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/

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In this thought-provoking episode, we speak with Professors Jane Bailey and Valerie Steeves, co-leaders of The eQuality Project, a pioneering initiative focused on young people’s experiences of privacy and equality in digitally networked environments.

Part 1 of our conversation dives into how surveillance is normalized in educational and social media contexts, why that matters for youth, and what needs to change in how we approach children’s digital rights. Jane and Valerie reflect on how their research with young people sheds light on the disconnect between adult perceptions of digital safety and the real concerns youth express—particularly around control, visibility, and relationships of trust.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How young people’s digital lives are shaped by surveillance in schools and on platforms
• Why digital privacy is about more than just data—it’s about dignity and identity
• How legal frameworks are lagging behind young people’s actual digital experiences
• Why youth-centered research methods are key to understanding their needs and protecting their rights

👩‍🏫 About the Guests:

• Professor Jane Bailey is a law professor at the University of Ottawa specializing in cyberfeminism, equality, and technology law.
• Professor Valerie Steeves is a legal scholar and sociologist at the University of Ottawa with extensive experience in youth-focused digital privacy research. She is also the principal investigator of the MediaSmarts Young Canadians in a Wired World study.

Together, they co-lead The eQuality Project, a SSHRC-funded partnership that brings together researchers and community organizations to improve digital inclusion and rights for youth.

📌 Relevant Links:

• The eQuality Project
• Young Canadians in a Wired World – MediaSmarts

📢 Stay Tuned:

This is Part 1 of our conversation. In the next episode, we’ll dive deeper into resistance strategies, legal implications, and visions for digital environments that support—not exploit—young people.

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In this second part of our conversation with the Just Access Strategic Litigation team, Dr. Miranda Melcher continues her in-depth discussion with Dr. Tom Sparks and Dr. Lucas Sanchez about Just Access’s groundbreaking communication to four UN Special Rapporteurs. The communication addresses critical gaps in Germany’s climate change adaptation policies, specifically regarding children’s rights and the inclusion of human rights-based frameworks.

This episode dives deep into:

• Why Just Access chose this case and what makes it strategically important
• How this communication fits into Just Access’s broader mission of improving access to justice for socioeconomic and environmental rights
• The function of UN Special Rapporteurs and how this international legal mechanism works
• The innovative and collaborative process behind building this communication
• What outcomes Just Access hopes for—from influencing German policy to inspiring global action

Tom and Lucas share insights into the surprising gaps in adaptation-focused human rights litigation, the under-recognized vulnerabilities of children in climate policy, and how strategic litigation can ignite systemic change.

• Adaptation is lagging behind mitigation in international legal responses to climate change—this case aims to change that.
• Germany, though relatively advanced in adaptation efforts, lacks sufficient human rights safeguards—especially for children—in its strategies.
• Strategic litigation can create ripple effects across jurisdictions and empower other organisations to take similar action.
• Everyone has a role to play—whether through donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.

✅ Donate: Support our work at just-access.de

🤝 Volunteer: We’re always looking for dedicated people with legal or advocacy skills

📣 Spread the Word: Share this episode, talk about adaptation, and follow us on social media

📬 Get in Touch: podcast@just-access.de

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In this powerful episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher is joined by Dr. Tom Sparks (Director of Just Access) and Dr. Lucas Sanchez (Head of Strategic Litigation at Just Access) for the first part of a two-part conversation exploring the intersection of climate change adaptation, children’s rights, and international law.

Together, they break down a groundbreaking communication that Just Access is submitting to multiple UN Special Rapporteurs, challenging Germany’s approach to climate adaptation for its failure to adequately protect children.

You’ll learn:

🌍 The difference between climate change mitigation and adaptation

⚖️ Why children are disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of climate change

📜 How Germany’s current laws fall short from a human rights perspective

👶 Why a children’s rights-based approach is essential in climate adaptation

🌐 The potential global impact of this first-ever international communication on adaptation

This is the first international effort to set human rights precedents for climate adaptation, building on the momentum of existing climate litigation around mitigation. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in climate justice, human rights law, or strategic litigation.

👉 Part 2 of this conversation will dive into the legal mechanics of the communication process and what outcomes Just Access hopes to see. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!

📢 Get Involved:

Help us spread awareness and demand better climate protections for children. Share this episode and learn more about how you can be a human rights defender: https://just-access.de/donate

💌 Contact Us:

We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions! Email us at: podcast@just-access.de

🎧 Listen now on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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🎙️ Host: Dr. Miranda Melcher

🎙️ Guest: Professor Elisa Morgera, UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change

In this second part of our conversation with Professor Elisa Morgera, we dive deeper into the intersection of climate change and human rights, particularly focusing on the vulnerability of children. We also explore:

🌍 How industries contribute to climate change and the role of regulation

👶 The specific human rights challenges children face due to climate change

📜 The UN Special Rapporteur’s communication procedures and how individuals can raise concerns

💡 How listeners can engage in human rights advocacy and research

If you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out for a broader introduction to Professor Morgera’s work.

🔗 Get in touch: Share your thoughts or suggest future topics at podcast@just-access.de

💙 Support our work: Donate at just-access.de/donate

⭐ Rate & Review: If you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a review—it helps spread the word!

🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation on human rights and climate justice!

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🌍 Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Just Access Podcast, Dr. Miranda Melcher sits down with Professor Elisa Morgera to explore the critical intersections between climate change and human rights. As the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change, Professor Morgera provides a deep dive into her role, the challenges of addressing climate change through a human rights lens, and the need for stronger collaboration between legal, environmental, and scientific communities.

Key topics include:

✅ What it means to be a UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change

✅ How climate change is a human rights crisis and why human rights law should guide climate action

✅ The role of the UN Human Rights Council in shaping global climate justice efforts

✅ Collaboration between different Special Rapporteurs and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches

✅ Why access to climate information and public participation are essential for fair climate policies

✅ The psychological impacts of climate change, including eco-anxiety and climate grief

💡 “Climate change is shaping our lives and well-being daily. Human rights are not just an add-on to climate action—they are essential for effective, fair, and meaningful responses.” – Professor Elisa Morgera

📢 Next Episode Teaser:

This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for Part 2, where Professor Morgera dives even deeper into the legal frameworks guiding climate action, national adaptation plans, and how communities can ensure their rights are upheld in climate policies.

🔔 Don’t miss out! Subscribe and follow Just Access Podcast for more insightful conversations on human rights and justice.

📩 Get in Touch:

📧 Email us: podcast@just-access.de

🌍 Visit our website: just-access.de

💬 Follow us on social media & share your thoughts!

💙 Support Our Work:

Just Access is a non-profit dedicated to promoting human rights and justice. If you believe in our mission, consider making a donation at just-access.de/donate. Every contribution helps us continue our work!

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