Biennial Research Report

International Law
Advancing human rights and international law: Research that advocates for justice across borders.

Learn how our researchers are tackling key issues such as migration, gender equality, and the evolving landscape of international trade, addressing global challenges, protecting vulnerable populations, and promoting justice worldwide. Explore how Common Law students are contributing to the Repertory of the Practice of the United Nations Organs, and learn from Professor John Packer’s insights on global conflicts. Discover Professor Delphine Nakache’s award-winning work on immigration and citizenship law, and learn about her new University Research Chair, which unpacks Canada’s immigration reputation. See how Professor Jamie Liew examines the complexities of identity and nationality in her work on statelessness. Delve into Professor Penelope Simons’ innovative approaches to business and human rights, and uncover what she plans to bring to her new role as Director of the Human Rights Research and Education Centre. Join Professor Wolfgang Alschner as he convenes experts to discuss the future of the WTO dispute settlement system, and learn about how Professor Anne Levesque will address the Canadian Human Rights Act as the new Gordon F. Henderson Chair in Human Rights. These stories reflect how legal research is driving the protection of human rights and the development of fairer global systems.

Confronting global challenges

University Research Chair (URC) in Migrant Protection and International Law

Professor Delphine Nakache: Unpacking Canada’s immigration reputation

Professor Delphine Nakache has been awarded the University Research Chair (URC) in in Migrant Protection and International Law.
Penelope Simons

Professor Penelope Simons named next Director of the HRREC

“I will build on the current strengths and successes of the HRREC and support the ongoing and future work and initiatives of its members.”
Anne Levesque

Professor Anne Levesque is the new Gordon F. Henderson Chair in Human Rights

Professor Levesque will lead an ambitious research program to mark the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Delphine Nakache

Beyond borders: A diplomatic approach to research on global migration challenges

While migration presents countless positive opportunities, it can also create significant challenges when it is not properly regulated.
international law research

Scholars convene at the University of Ottawa to drive international law research

The Faculty of Law welcomed distinguished international law scholars to explore Canada’s role before international courts and tribunals.
UN Students

Successful 14 years of research collaboration with the United Nations

Common Law students have recently completed the preparation of 8 additional studies for the Repertory of the Practice of the United Nations Organs.
John Packer

John Packer discusses sustainable peace processes and other pressing topics

John Packer was featured on the “Justice and Human Rights Talk Series” to discuss a range of topics related to conflict around the globe.
housing for asylum seekers

Pioneering research on housing for asylum seekers

A new research project aims to fill in gaps in knowledge about the experiences of asylum seekers in the Canadian housing system.

WTO Video Series, with Jurivision

Rethinking

Rethinking WTO Dispute Settlement: The Future of the WTO

In May 2023, Professor Wolfgang Alschner gathered experts to discuss the current state and future reform of the WTO dispute settlement system.
WTO-1

The Inception of the WTO and its trade dispute settlement system

The Inception of the World Trade Organization and its trade dispute settlement system 
WTO-2

The WTO Dispute Resolution Process: Why is it Broken?

Since its inception, the WTO has been equipped with a two-instance dispute settlement system to resolve conflicts between member states.
WTO-3

WTO Dispute Resolution System: What can be done?

The deadlock over the appointment of judges to the Appellate Body (AB) has pushed the WTO dispute resolution system into crisis.
Wolfgang Alschner

International Trade: Examining Old Outcomes, Charting New Horizons

The book Investment Arbitration and State-Driven Reform: New Treaties, Old Outcomes, written by Wolfgang Alschner, is timely and insightful.

Recognizing excellence

Delphine Nakache

Professor Delphine Nakache Recognized for Impactful Research on Immigration

For her efforts to demystify immigration and citizenship law, Professor Delphine Nakache received a University of Ottawa research award.
Jamie Liew

Jamie Liew wins Fulbright Award to study statelessness at University of Hawai'i

Professor Liew explores how persons were and are constructed as foreign, stateless, diasporic, Indigenous and as citizens.
Business and Human Rights Journal

An innovative approach to gender equality in business and human rights

Gender inequality and oppression are central issues in the field of business and human rights.
Wolfgang Alschner

CCIL Applauds Professor Alschner for Groundbreaking Book on Investment Reform

Professor Wolfgang Alschner was named runner-up in the 2024 Canadian Council on International Law (CCIL) Scholarly Book Award competition.

Explore Human Rights and International Law at the Common Law Section