On Wednesday 25 February, four years and 1 day since Russia's 2022 large-scale invasion of Ukraine the HRIC, together with the CIL, hosted Sir Simon Manley KCMG to offer his reflections on the invasion, and the wider international order. As the United Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization, United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva from 2021 to 2025, Sir Simon had a unique role in enacting the UK's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine across multiple international organisations in Geneva.
Chaired by HRIC co-director Kathryn Allinson, the audience of students and staff heard of the importance of human rights for UK foreign policy, the challenges and opportunities of alliance building with traditional and non-traditional allies during times of war, and decision-making during times of crisis and rapidly escalating human rights challenges.