Alumni | Observatory of HR

Our Alumni

Our Alumni – These former leaders, having completed their immersive journey through the Observatory's interdisciplinary curriculum, continue to embody the principles of leadership and human rights. Equipped with practical experience and a strong theoretical foundation, they are now applying their skills across diverse fields. As advocates, researchers, and changemakers, our alumni carry forward the Observatory’s mission, shaping a more just and equitable world beyond the classroom.

2025-2026 Cohort

Charles-Antoine Hallé

Charles-Antoine Hallé is entering his third year in the civil law program at the University of Ottawa. A socially engaged entrepreneur, Charles-Antoine draws on his background in innovation, civic engagement, and international outreach to develop projects that foster meaningful change. He has led four major initiatives: Apprends & Entreprends, a company specializing in entrepreneurial pedagogy; Défi48, a competition where participants have 48 hours and $1 to create a profitable business; Trump The World, a sociopolitical satire board game; and Legal Sensus, a legal operating system that uses artificial intelligence to make legal content more accessible and tailored to diverse learning profiles, with a particular focus on neurodivergent students.
Charles-Antoine has also participated in several international projects, including the Grande rencontre des jeunes entrepreneurs francophones (France), the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance 2023 (India), and the National Model United Nations (New York). A skilled communicator, Charles-Antoine has previously hosted a radio segment on Unique FM, currently hosts the podcast Sans maître, and regularly engages in public speaking to disseminate legal concepts and advocate for a more accessible legal system.
His interest in human rights stems from a desire to expand his horizons and explore diverse perspectives. He is driven by a commitment to understand the lived realities of individuals who face discrimination, and to examine how legal systems can be leverages as tools for justice, dignity, and healing.

At the Observatory, Charles-Antoine looks forward to deepening his knowledge and understanding of international human rights mechanisms and how they operate across jurisdictions. He is particularly excited to contribute to the sub-group on neurodiversity. As someone with ADHD himself, he is passionate about exploring how legal innovation can help make the legal field more inclusive and accessible to neurodivergent individuals.

Charles-Antoine’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including Le Maillet Innovateur (2025) from the University of Ottawa’s Law Student Association, the Prix Excelor – Jeune entrepreneur de l’année (2023) and the Prix Excelor - Startup de l’année (2019) from the Chambre de commerce de Gatineau, the Prix Reconnaissance Jeunesse (2020) from the Secrétariat à la jeunesse du Québec, and the Bourse d’honneur (2018) from Québec’s Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Charles-Antoine speaks French and English fluently.

Mélodie Villeneuve Ferreira

Originally from Gatineau, in the Outaouais region of Québec, Mélodie is entering her third year in the civil law program at the University of Ottawa. She currently serves as vice-president of communications for the « Association étudiante du droit de la famille de l’Université d’Ottawa ».

Mélodie’s passion for human rights began at a young age. In elementary school, a visit to the French Embassy in Ottawa and meeting with the French Ambassador to Canada sparked her interest in diplomacy and global affairs. By high school, this interest had evolved into a focused passion for international law, particularly the rights of women and children. Her commitment to human rights is rooted in the belief that fundamental rights should no longer be privileges for some, but a universal norm for all.

She is dedicated to making the world a slightly better place through her volunteer work and legal education, combining community involvement with a strong sense of justice.

For Mélodie, joining the Observatory is an opportunity to expland her knowledge on human rights and develop leadership skills in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. She looks forward to contributing to meaningful research and working alongside dedicated peers and mentors. Mélodie is fluent in both French and English, and one day hopes to also be fluent in Portuguese like her mother.

Thomas Joseph Di Re

Originally from Montreal, Thomas is entering his second year at the University of Ottawa, where he is pursuing his Licentiate in Law.

While studying law, Thomas developed a keen interest in international and humanitarian law, drawn to how these fields address pressing global challenges through legal frameworks. His interest was sparked during his Public International Law class, where he explored the legal structures governing international relations today, and further deepened in his International Trade class, where he wrote a paper about on fossil fuel subsidy reform from the WTO and its impact on developing countries.

Thomas is also deeply interest in the intersection of law and sports, shaped by a lifelong connection to athletics, particularly hockey. He currently serves as President of the University of Ottawa’s Sports and Entertainment Law Association, where he aims to foster discussion on legal dimensions of sports and entertainment.

As a neurodivergent student himself, Thomas is committed to creating greater awareness about the invisible challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. He strives to shift the narrative from one of deficiency to one that celebrates unique strengths, resilience, and diverse perspectives. His goal is to promote deeper understanding of neurodivergent experiences and help foster more inclusive academic and professional spaces.

Thomas is fluent in French and English.

Laurence Laperriere

Originally from Québec, Laurence studied at Cégep Garneau, where she developed a deep passion for equality and the defense of women’s rights. This interest has stayed with her and continues to inspire her academic, associative, and personal involvement.

Last year, she served as Vice-President of the Défilé Fauteux, a major charitable event that combines fashion, social awareness, and philanthropy. She contributed to its outreach and to fundraising efforts for the Canadian Women’s Foundation.

This year, Laurence is President of the student podcast Fauteux Radio, a project she leads with energy to highlight legal knowledge, give students a voice, and create inclusive spaces for dialogue. She also serves as Vice-President of Communications for the Civil Law Student Association (AED), where she puts her strategic and creative skills to work for the student community.

For Laurence, leadership is above all a mobilizing force: it’s about inspiring others to push themselves, to participate, and to believe in a collective project. She values collaboration, authenticity, and the ability to transform a vision into concrete actions that bring people together.

Her involvement with the Human Rights Observatory follows this logic. She sees it as a unique opportunity to deepen her knowledge of human rights and to put her passions at the service of collective reflection focused on social justice.

Laurence is fluent in English and in French.

Harleen Kaur Jawanda

Originally from Amritsar, Punjab, Harleen is entering her third year of the dual Juris Doctor and Licentiate in Law program at the University of Ottawa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in political science and a minor in history from the Université de Saint-Boniface in Manitoba.

Harleen’s interest in human rights and international law is rooted in her loved experience of navigating multiple cultures, as well as from her rich work and research experience as a student.

Among other endeavors, Harleen has undertaken in-depth research on the involvement of the United Nations in environmental issues, the persecution of Sikhs in the 1980s by the Indian state, the regulation of artificial intelligence in Canada and the European Union from a comparative perspective, legislative measures to address foreign interference, and secularism in Québec. She also served as an ambassador for the Université de Saint-Boniface and worked as a tour guide at the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

Harleen is incredibly grateful to be a part of the Observatory, where she brings a personal lens to global conversations on justice and equality, as well as advancing human rights.

This summer, she is researching human rights violations faced by different religious communities in India and examining the role of international law, particularly how the United Nations responds to and helps prevent human rights violations in practice.

Harleen looks forward to engaging with human rights experts, peers and practitioners to develop innovative ideas and approaches that contribute meaningfully to human rights initiatives. Harleen is multilingual, fluent in English, French, Punjabi and Hindi.

Noël Kabeya

Noël Kabeya is a human rights researcher and activist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, currently in his second year of a PhD in Law at the University of Ottawa. He holds an LL.M. in human rights from the Université Grenoble Alpes (France) and a university diploma in international humanitarian law from the Université Côte d’Azur (France), and a law degree from the University of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo).

Noël’s doctoral research focuses on access to justice for victims of international crimes in post-conflict contexts, with case studies on the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic. From an interdisciplinary perspective, he is particularly interested in national models for combating impunity for international crimes and the role of international actors in facilitating access to justice for victims.

Professionally, Noël has taught full-time at the Faculty of Law of the Free University of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), where he also represented the faculty and coached the winning team of the 16th African Human Rights Moot Court Competition held in Dakar, Senegal, organized by the Centre for Human Rights of the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria (South Africa) in collaboration with the Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis (Senegal).
Noël practiced as a lawyer at the Kinshasa/Gombe Bar for several years and is currently an assistant at the Faculty of Law of the University of Kinshasa.

Alongside his teaching and legal practice, Noël has over 15 years of experience working with various development cooperation organizations, managing projects focused on human rights protection, civil society support, and capacity building for police and judicial institutions in the DRC.

As a dedicated human rights researcher and activist, Nöel sees his collaboration with the UN Observatory on Human Rights as an opportunity to deepen his knowledge of the UN human rights system, share his experiences, and expand his professional network. His particular interests lie in the protection of vulnerable populations in armed conflicts, especially women and children.

Among his distinctions, Noël has received several notable award and scholarships throughout his academic career, including the PhD Special Merit Scholarship from the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa, a Master's Scholarship from the University Grenoble Alpes Foundation, a scholarship from the International Centre for University Human Rights Teaching (CIEDHU) in Strasbourg, and the Rotary Club of Kinshasa Prize for Best Student of the Faculty of Law at the Université de Kinshasa.

Noël is fluent in French and has a professional proficiency of English.

Justine Pucar

Justine is entering her third year in civil law at the University of Ottawa.

Her growing interest in human rights and international law was solidified through her participation in a course on Comparative Human Rights at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, a pivotal moment in her academic journey.

Justine brings a rich and varied background to the Observatory. Among other initiatives, she co-organized and spoke on a panel with three colleagues in collaboration with the Centre d’étude et de coopération internationale, an international organization dedicated to sustainable and inclusive development.

Within the Faculty of Law, she is actively involved in student life, serving as President of the Health Law Association, and as Vice-President of Fashion for this year’s Fauteux Fashion Show. A dedicated athlete, she currently plays soccer with the Inter Montréal club.

Through her participation in the Observatory, Justine hopes to deepen her understanding of human rights in a stimulating environment that challenges her to step outside of her comfort zone. She is eager to learn from the inspiring and diverse experiences of the Observatory’s leadership team and peers, in order to develop a more grounded and engaged approach to fundamental rights issues.

Justine’s areas of interest in human rights include health law, international humanitarian law, and the rights of women and children. Justine is fluent in French and English.

Mateo Alejandro Porras Gil

Born in Colombia and having arrived in Canada as a refugee claimant in 2010, Mateo Porras Gil is deeply passionate about law, democracy, and student engagement. He is currently pursuing a Licentiate of Law at the University of Ottawa.

Mateo’s interest in human rights and international law, particularly international humanitarian law, is shaped by his lived experiences and a longstanding commitment to promote social justice, diversity, and intercultural cooperation.
Mateo previously worked as a Page, Parliamentary Guide, and Parliamentary Assistant at the House of Commons. In these roles, he gained firsthand experience in the legislative process, legal research, and parliamentary procedure.

On campus, Mateo is Vice-President of Partnerships for the Association of Latin American Law Students (ADELED), where he builds bridges between students, law firms, and businesses to strengthen Latin American representation in the legal field. He has also served as Interim Director on the Board of Directors of the University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU), where he advocated for inclusive and transparent governance. Even before university, Mateo was active in student leadership, spearheading his high school’s student council and representing over 1,200 students and initiating educational policies promoting active learning.

A trained musician, Mateo has been a spokesperson and volunteer for OrKidstra, performing at the National Arts Centre during the centenary of the end of World War I. He is also certified as a lifeguard and as a water safety instructor with the Canadian Red Cross.

Mateo is eager to join the UN Observatory on Human Rights to deepen his understanding of international human rights law and to further develop valuable skills in research, analysis, and public speaking. He sees this experience as an opportunity to enhance his academic path, strengthen his professional capabilities, and reinforce his ongoing commitment to human rights advocacy.

Mateo is trilingual in French, English and Spanish and is currently learning Portuguese. In recognition of his ongoing community involvement, he was recently named a finalist for the Youth Leader in Volunteering award by Volunteer Ottawa, an organization which celebrates and recognizes the contributions of young leaders across the region.

Camille Bourque

Camille is entering her third year in the civil law program at the University of Ottawa. Throughout her academic journey, Camille has been actively involved in student life. She served as President of the Fauteux Fashion Show, which was awarded Event of the Year, and held leadership positions as Vice-President of Internal Affairs for the Mental Health, Wellness, and Academic Affairs Committee, as well as Vice-President of Communications for the Health Law Association.

This year, Camille will continue her engagement as an Advisor to the President of the Civil Law Students’ Association, while also representing the University of Ottawa in the prestigious Laskin Moot Court Competition.

Camille’s interest in human rights developed during her studies in Law, particularly through courses that addressed reproductive autonomy, gender-based violence, and systemic inequality. These experiences sparked a deep commitment to women’s rights and exploring the role of law in addressing social injustices.

At the Observatory, Camille is contributing to a storytelling project highlighting the experiences of Indigenous women. She is particularly committed to deepening her understanding of the lived realities surrounding the protection and recognition of human rights.

Following her degree, Camille will complete her articling at Norton Rose Fulbright in Québec.

Béatrice Dufresne

Béatrice Dufresne is entering her third year of the civil law program (LL.L.) at the University of Ottawa, where she currently serves as President of the Civil Law Students’ Association.

Originally from Ottawa, she is deeply passionate about constitutional law and its role in safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms. This passion took root early and led her to write a thesis on the relationship between feminism and Canadian democracy as part of the International Baccalaureate program at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, prior to joining the University of Ottawa.

Béatrice is equally enthusiastic about public speaking and debate. She has worked as a Parliamentary Guide and represented her faculty with distinction in the Laskin Moot Court Competition. As Chair of the Faculty’s Debate Committee, she played a key role in fostering vibrant intellectual discourse within the student body. This summer, Béatrice is working at McCarthy Tétrault, where she will complete her articling following graduation.

Béatrice is eager to join the Observatory, viewing this opportunity as a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in the field of human rights under the guidance of inspiring leaders. Driven by a passion for both feminism and constitutional law, she looks forward to deepening her understanding of the lived realities of Indigenous women. Béatrice is enthusiastic about leveraging her creativity and strong communication skills to contribute meaningfully to the Observatory’s mission.

Since the beginning of her law studies, she has consistently earned a place on the Dean’s List. She has received two awards for achieving the highest grades in Constitutional Law and in Obligations I & II as well as a distinction from the Civil Law Student Association in recognition of her involvement as a first-year student. Béatrice is fluent in both English and French.

Haylee Reid

Haylee Reid is entering her third year in civil law at the University of Ottawa, where she is completing her Licentiate in law.

Over the past year, she served as Co-President of the Fauteux Fashion Show, a charitable event that celebrates creativity, inclusion, and collective engagement within the Faculty of Law. She also held the position of Communications Officer for the Constitutional Law Student Association, where she helped organize and promote events featuring distinguished guest speakers.

This year, Haylee will serve as Vice-President of Social Affairs for the Civil Law Student Association, working to bring students together and enhance their university experience through inclusive and engaging initiatives.

Haylee is driven by a strong commitment to human rights, particularly women’s rights and gender equality. She is passionate about using her skills to support projects that promote equity and social justice, both within and beyond the legal field.

Océane Chabanol

In her first year of law school, Océane had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 88th session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva. Upon her return, she made it a priority to democratize the knowledge she had gained by sharing it widely within her academic and social circles.

Océane has since acquired valuable practical experience before various federal and provincial tribunals and courts. While working at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, she developed strong skills in legal research and writing, an experience that deepened her desire to pursue a career in the field of human rights. She is currently furthering her legal expertise as a research assistant at the Supreme Court of Canada.

Océane’s career path reflets a constant commitment to supporting legal work through research and drafting. Joining the Observatory represents a unique opportunity for her to actively engage in meaningful dialogue on human rights, with a particular focus on the rights of Indigenous women. Her involvement reflects a dedication to transforming legal knowledge into action that amplifies marginalized voices.

She demonstrates a strong and enduring commitment to the advancement of human rights, with a particular emphasis on women's rights and gender equality. Passionate about applying her expertise to initiatives that promote the knowledge dissemination, Océane is eager to contribute to the Observatory’s mission of raising awareness and fostering understanding around critical societal issues.

Océane is fluent in both French and English.

2024-2025 Cohort

Samuel Despars

Samuel is a recent graduate of the civil law program at the University of Ottawa. Before pursuing his legal studies, he completed a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at the University of Montreal and a master’s in Administrative Sciences at Laval University. He then gained valuable experience in international development and emergency response, where he was confronted with a range of human rights issues.

These experiences deepened his interest in the moral responsibilities of institutions and businesses, particularly in the context of access to justice. A student leader during the inaugural year of the Observatory of Human Rights at the UN, Samuel now continues his involvement as Advisor, Pro-Bono Projects, where he is committed to promoting social justice through practical, community-based legal work.

Fernanda Barrios Vega

Fernanda Barrios Vega is a J.D. candidate in the National Program at the University of Ottawa, where she also completed a Licentiate in Civil Law (LL.L). She previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies and French from Dalhousie University.

Her professional experience spans both the federal and provincial public sectors, including roles as a Policy and Compliance Officer at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and in Child Support Case Management with the Government of Québec. She has also worked in the private sector in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in financial and customer service positions.

Fernanda was a student leader at the Observatory last year and now continues her involvement as Advisor, Student Leadership. She is dedicated to improving access to justice and has volunteered with the Clinique juridique de Saint-Michel in Montréal.

Originally from Paraguay, she is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, English, and French.

Christian Mpabwa

Christian Mpabwa holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) and is currently a PhD candidate in law at the University of Ottawa. His research focuses on the intersection of environmental law, human rights, social justice, and development in extractive industry contexts.

Christian Mpabwa was part of the first cohort of the Observatory. As a member of the "Race and Health" subgroup, he co-authored a report analyzing the implementation of General Recommendation No. 37 of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This report explored systemic barriers to accessing emergency healthcare in Canada, focusing on three social determinants of health: poverty, discrimination, and territoriality.

Christian Mpabwa, along with his team, presented the findings of this research in Geneva to various stakeholders, including the United Nations (the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination—CERD; the UNHCR–Global Health Cluster), the University of Neuchâtel, and the Permanent Mission of Canada to Switzerland.

In February 2025, he also represented the Observatory at the 46th edition of the Jean-Pictet International Competition in Antalya, Turkey. In this capacity, he will now take on a new role supporting and mentoring future participating teams from the Observatory. Before joining the Observatory, he also took part in the regional international law moot competition organized by Ipeace and the 2016 national ICRC competition in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Drawing from this rich experience, Christian now serves as Advisor, Moot Competitions in International Law at the Observatory, where he mentors student teams participating in international legal competitions.

A 2021 laureate of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) in Dakar, he also served as Co-President of the Graduate Students in Law Association (GSLEED) from 2022 to 2023 and brings significant experience as a legal advisor for businesses.

Originally from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo—a region long affected by armed conflict—Christian believes that education and the democratization of knowledge, especially regarding human rights, are essential pathways to peace and sustainable development.

Clara Byk Giroux

Clara is entering her third year in the Civil Law program at the University of Ottawa, following an academic journey abroad (Australia, Denmark, and France) that sparked a deep awareness of international issues. She initially studied international relations and geopolitics before turning to law to deepen her understanding of the legal dimensions of these matters.

Clara was part of the subgroup of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, they produced a comprehensive report titled "Intersectionality Between Culture, Faith, and Rights," which analyzes the impact of the United Nations’ Faith for Rights initiative on women’s rights. Clara presented this report at the University of Cambridge, to the Faith for Rights CommUNity of Practice, the UNHCR, and the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations.

She also represented the Faculty at the 47th edition of the Jean-Pictet Competition, an international humanitarian law competition held in Denpasar, Indonesia.
Her experience with the Observatory strengthened her passion for international law while broadening her perspective. In 2025–2026, she will continue her involvement as a Moot Court Advisor in international law.

Adèle Gagnon Pelletier

Adèle Gagnon Pelletier is currently in her third year of the Civil Law program, with a strong interest in the intersectionality of human rights. Originally from Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, she has witnessed firsthand the unique challenges that come with accessing justice in rural regions, particularly for vulnerable groups.

In May 2024, she took part in the course Comparative Law: A Field Perspective at the United Nations, an experience that deepened her understanding of international human rights protection mechanisms. This immersive experience highlighted for her the importance of democratizing legal knowledge within society.

Motivated by this realization, she joined the very first cohort of the Observatory to actively contribute to field-based human rights research. As part of this effort, Adèle was a member of the subgroup on the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. Through this initiative, the team produced a comprehensive report titled “Intersectionality Between Culture, Faith, and Rights: An Analysis of the Impact of the United Nations’ Faith for Rights Initiative on Women’s Rights.”

Lilya Ait Hammou

Lilya is entering her third year at the University of Ottawa, where she is pursuing her Licentiate in Law. She began her academic journey in the field of conflict studies and human rights before turning to law to deepen her understanding of the legal frameworks that shape international relations.

As a Leader in the Observatory’s inaugural year, Lilya and her team conducted a critical study on the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. They presented their findings before the Faith for Rights: CommUNity of Practices, the University of Neuchâtel, the UNHCR, and the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva.
She now serves as Advisor, Women’s Rights and Knowledge Dissemination at the Observatory, where she will play a key role in organizing a conference dedicated to advancing women’s rights and promoting global dialogue.

Lilya will be on exchange for the fall semester at the Panthéon-Sorbonne University School of Law, where she will continue to broaden her perspective on international issues.

Camille Côté

Camille Côté is entering her third year of civil law at the University of Ottawa.

Originally from Rimouski, she has a keen interest in social justice, human rights, and various areas of public law.

She had the opportunity to be part of the first cohort of student leaders at the Observatory on Human Rights at the UN. Alongside her team, she worked on a research project examining the impact of religion on women’s rights, which allowed her to engage with members of the United Nations and deepen her understanding of international law.

In parallel, she has been actively involved in several student associations focused on human rights, including Lawyers Without Borders, the University of Ottawa Immigration and Refugee Law Association, and World Vision UOttawa. These commitments are especially meaningful to her, as they allow her to contribute to important causes while fostering collaboration with other passionate students.

Camille has a strong interest in criminal law, constitutional law, humanitarian law, Indigenous law, and immigration and refugee law. She hopes to pursue further studies in common law (Juris Doctor) to broaden her legal knowledge and access a wider range of professional opportunities, particularly in the international field.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Camille also serves as a reservist in the Royal Canadian Navy. This experience has taught her discipline, teamwork, and stress management—skills that serve her well in both her studies and community involvement.

Julie Lavallée

A graduate of the Université de Montréal, Julie Lavallée decided to broaden her knowledge and horizons by pursuing legal studies. She obtained her Licentiate in Law (LL.L.) in 2025 at the University of Ottawa. Her involvement in the first cohort of the University of Ottawa’s Observatory on Human Rights at the United Nations proved to be a highly enriching, formative, and truly unforgettable experience.

In an effort to democratize knowledge, Julie was part of the sub-group focused on the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), dedicated to documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, Julie and her teammates produced a comprehensive report titled "The Intersectionality Between Culture, Faith, and Rights: An Analysis of the Impact of the United Nations’ 'Faith for Rights' Initiative on Women’s Rights," which they had the opportunity to present at the United Nations in Geneva.

Yanie St-Pierre

Yanie is a third-year Civil Law student who is deeply committed to human rights and aspires to work as an international lawyer. In addition to her passion for human rights, she is also dedicated to animal welfare and currently serves as the President of the Animal Protection Association at the University of Ottawa. She is driven by a desire to fight for justice and to advocate for the most vulnerable beings.

As part of her commitment to democratizing knowledge, Yanie joined the subgroup of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. Within this initiative, the subgroup produced a comprehensive report titled “Intersectionality Between Culture, Faith, and Rights: An Analysis of the Impact of the United Nations’ ‘Faith for Rights’ Initiative on Women’s Rights.” The report examines how countries have incorporated the 18 Beirut Commitments into their efforts to improve the status of women around the world. It highlights how women’s conditions are shaped by faith, culture, and religion, and concludes with concrete recommendations from the subgroup to better integrate these commitments into national resolutions to reduce gender inequality.

For Yanie, the Observatory was an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and apply her skills in service of the United Nations and a cause that is both humanitarian and empowering.

Stéphanie St Jacques

Stéphanie St Jacques holds a BA, JD and LL from the University of Ottawa. She has developed expertise in Indigenous, Maritime, and International Law, earning certificates from The Hague Academy of International Law. This year, Stéphanie is clerking at the Federal Court of Appeal.

Her legal experience includes internships at Bombardier-Alstom, government agencies as well as Indigenous child protection work at a law firm. Previously she worked for renowned human rights advocate Senator McPhedran, coordinating high-profile events including the Youth-Parliament Nuclear Summit and conducting legislative research on human rights, Indigenous and environmental law. During her studies, Stéphanie represented the University of Ottawa at Rousseau International Public Law Moot; at the Jean-Pictet International Humanitarian Law Competition; and she was a member of TradeLab international legal clinic.

Passionate about advocacy, she has represented francophone youth at provincial and national levels, lobbying for equitable French-language education.

Outside law, Stéphanie is an avid sailor from Northern Ontario, connecting her love for water with her legal interests in maritime issues.
In order to democratize knowledge with the Observatory, Stéphanie St. Jacques was part of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) subgroup, focused on advancing children's rights globally.

She contributed to a research report on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, coordinated an event for the presentation of the 2024 Geneva Declaration and participated in advocacy for children's rights legislation at the Senate of Canada.

Alexis Blondin-Bois

Originally from a small village in the Hautes-Laurentides region of Quebec, Alexis Blondin-Bois grew up surrounded by nature, where he developed a strong passion for the outdoors and extreme sports. His rural upbringing, along with the social challenges he witnessed in his community, deeply shaped his commitment to human rights.

Alexis was part of the first cohort of the Observatory. For him, the Observatory was an opportunity to explore legal research and contribute to issues he cares deeply about.

As part of his commitment to democratizing knowledge, Alexis was part of the subgroup focusing on the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), aimed at promoting children's rights on a global scale. Within this initiative, he contributed to the production of a report titled “The Limits and Setbacks of Children’s Rights: An Analysis of Reservations to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.” The report aimed to examine the reservations made by States to specific articles of the Convention relating to children's rights in the context of criminal justice.

Clara Laplante-Bédard

Clara Laplante-Bédard is a PhD candidate in law at the University of Ottawa and a lawyer at the Québec Bar. Her research examines youth criminal justice and children’s rights, with a focus on how judges consider the unique backgrounds and needs of young people in conflict with the law. She is particularly interested in the overrepresentation of racialized youth, Indigenous youth, and youth under dual mandates.

Now in her second year at the Observatory, Clara serves as Advisor, Children’s Rights and Knowledge Dissemination. She previously contributed to a report on the impact of reservations and implicit withdrawals from the Convention on the Rights of the Child, examining how these limitations affect youth in conflict with the law. She also designed an engaging legal workshop for high school students to help them better understand children’s rights and the Convention, while encouraging dialogue around these issues.

As part of its mission to democratize knowledge, the Committee on the Rights of the Child subgroup produced a report titled “The Limits and Setbacks of Children’s Rights: An Analysis of Reservations to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.” This report examines the reservations made by States to Articles 37(c) and 40, outlining the justifications put forward and their impact on the implementation of these rights. It also highlights the implicit setbacks and the tensions between these reservations, the resulting limitations, and the practical enforcement of the rights of children in conflict with the law on an international scale.

Our Alumni

2025-2026 Cohort

2024-2025 Cohort

The Observatory on Human Rights at the UN