Teamwork
Photo: The 2024 International Law Clinic team on Access to Justice for Gun Violence at the University of Amsterdam: León Castellanos-Jankiewicz (supervisor), Jiaxin Li, Zia Wendt, Jennifer Bunnik, Jan Melk, and Ana Gobillon.
Since 2023, I supervise the International Law Clinic on Access to Justice for Gun Violence at the University of Amsterdam Faculty of Law. The Clinic enables students to gain practical experience working on real-life issues relating to international law and arms trade.
Our clients have included the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, and the Office of the Legal Advisor of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This year we are working with the UN Global Firearms Programme.
The Clinic’s work has been cited by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Our first memo
*
Our first memo *
Published in 2023, our first report surveyed accountability mechanisms to challenge European arms exports when these products have caused harm to victims. It includes recommendations for States and the arms industry on how to improve regulatory frameworks and mitigate downstream damage.
My teaching philosophy
I aim to empower students to face real-life challenges by building their research and critical skills. In my classroom, we question conventional knowledge by harnessing our inquisitive spirit through methodical enquiry and constructive peer-to-peer dialogue.