Challenge One: Covid-19 and prisons
You work for an international human rights organisation. Your latest brief is tough. COVID-19 has impacted everyone so how can you help prisoners locked in their cells 24/7 and facing deteriorating conditions? This challenge will give you access to information about human rights law in prisons – and what the United Nations (UN) does to monitor torture/inhuman treatment. You will be expected to design a poster outlining the simple steps prisons can take to protect prisoners.
- WatchWatch an introduction to the subject from Professor Sir Malcolm Evans who talks about how he got into law and his particular interest in international law and law pertaining to torture. Professor Evans also talks about his role leading torture prevention efforts for the United Nations which meant visiting prisons and other places of detention around the world to monitor conditions and make recommendations for improvements.
- ReadRead the full brief. Make sure you understand what's being asked of you - and don't deviate from the information provided. The key thing to remember is that you will be judged on your ability to read, digest and effectively summarise what you have learnt.
- CreateCreate your challenge piece. In this instance it is an infomative poster for prison officers around the world. You will need to understand how to use what you have learnt to engage others to act. Make sure you follow the guidance if you want a successful outcome for the case you are putting forward.
- Ask JoFor each day of the challenge you can ask Jo a question between 11-12 if you need to clarify anything or simply want some advice. Send an email to law-employability@bristol.ac.uk.
Recommended timings
- Day one: Simply read through all materials carefully before starting the challenge. Make sure you take particular note of any guidance/tips outlining what you should and shouldn't be focusing on.
- Day two: Read through the materials again, this time taking notes based on 1) the problem 2) the evidence 3) your top three messages and 4) your one call to action.
- Day three: Create your rough draft. Remember the final output is max 400 words - don't dwell on anything that doesn't help you achieve the above.
- Day four: Finalise/polish your submission - and don't forget to send it in!