Twenty-nine students from nine Mediterranean countries graduated Master of Arts in Human Rights and Democratisation on Friday 16 November 2001. This was the first group of students who, sponsored by the European Commission, came to Malta to deepen their knowledge in this very important and topical subject. The programme known as the Mediterranean Regional Masters is a joint initiative of two branches of the University of Malta: the Faculty of Laws and the Foundation for International Studies. The contract for the programme was awarded in May 2000 and preparations for its launch in October started immediately with the 13 partner institutions from both sides of the Mediterranean. Today the partnership has increased to 17. The graduation ceremony was held in the Aula Magna at the Old University Building and was presided by the Chancellor, Prof. John Rizzo Naudi. Following a short address of welcome by Prof. Ian Refalo, Dean of the Faculty of Laws, the Foreign Minister Dr. Joe Borg delivered the keynote speech. This was an erudite account on the development of human rights from the time of Hammurabi to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Euro-Mediterranean process following Barcelona and was greatly appreciated by the distinguished audience which included the Chief Justine, several members of the judiciary and leading lawyers. Dr. Zelim Skurbaty from the Danish Centre for Human Rights delivered the traditional oration which he titled “The ten commandments of the Human Rights Champion”. In an entertaining and educational speech, Dr. Skurbaty outlined the qualities, such as self-discipline, a sense of humour, ability to network with others, regular updating of knowledge, commitment to the cause and other desirables which the modern human rights champion should establish as his/her credo. On behalf of the students Ms. Hadeel Treiki from Lebanon expressed her satisfaction and that of her colleagues, with the tuition and guidance provided by the course, the need for which is very much felt in the geographic area from which they originate.

Speech by Hon. Dr J. Borg

Speech by Prof. Zelim Skurbaty

Speech by Hadeel Treiki