top of page
Nos Ancien.ne.s
Ces ancien.ne.s leaders, ayant complété leur parcours au sein du programme interdisciplinaire de l'Observatoire, continuent d'incarner les valeurs du leadership et des droits humains. Fort.es de leur apprentissage expérientiel, ils et elles appliquent désormais leurs compétences pratiques et connaissances théoriques dans divers contextes professionnels. Défenseur.e.s engagé.es, chercheur.euse.s ou acteur.rice.s du changement, nos ancien.ne.s poursuivent leur engagement pour un monde plus juste et équitable, au-delà de l’Observatoire.
La première cohorte de l’Observatoire : 2024-2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
bottom of page