LawPod

In the third episode of the mini-series on Civilian Harm in Conflict, host Mae Thompson is joined by Erin Bijl (PAX, Dutch NGO) and Major Steven van de Put (Royal Netherlands Air Force, former student) to explore the Dutch approach to accountability for civilian harm. This episode delves into the evolution of the Dutch accountability framework, spotlighting the 2015 Hawija airstrike in Iraq, which killed over 80 civilians during a Dutch-led bombing of an ISIS factory. The discussion examines the role of civil law in holding the Dutch state accountable, recent transparency and compensation measures by the Dutch Defense Ministry, and the effectiveness of community-level responses. By contrasting the Dutch model with the UK's slower progress, the episode offers insights into how states can improve accountability practices. Resources PAX Report: Community-Level Responses to Harm: Lessons Learned from Iraq Link: protectionofcivilians.org/report/community-level-responses-to-harm-lessons-learned-from-iraq/ Civilian Protection Monitor Link: https://civilianprotectionmonitor.org This podcast is the third in a series of episode on Civilian Harm in Conflict – hosted by Mae Thompson, advocacy officer at Ceasefire. The podcast is an output of the AHRC funded ‘Reparations during Armed Conflict‘ project with Queen’s University Belfast, University College London and Ceasefire, led by Professor Luke Moffett.

In this special episode Katie O’Doherty delves into the illegal waste dumping scandal at the Mobuoy dump near the River Faughan in Northern Ireland, a scandal described by Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir as a "sophisticated and deliberate environmental crime of unprecedented scale”.It explores the background of this large scale environmental crime, discussing systemic failures and the roles of governmental agencies. Interviews with environmental activists James Orr from Friends of the Earth and Dean Blackwood from the River Faughan Anglers and The Environmental Gathering shed light on the significance of the recent sentencing of two company directors, the importance of the first “Victim Personal Statement” given by a river in Northern Ireland, and ongoing calls for a public inquiry. The discussion also touches on the broader implications for environmental governance, the need for recognising the rights of nature, and the systemic issues impacting environmental protection in post-conflict societies.Throughout the episode you will hear excerpts of the Victim Personal Statement on behalf of the river that was put to music by students from Lawpod – The statement was submitted as part of court proceedings prior to sentencing. https://friendsoftheearth.uk/northern-irelandhttps://www.faughan.orghttps://www.ursulaburns.co.uk/post/13-riot-police-and-a-harphttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c365yn4d907ohttps://youtu.be/RMj8w7Zbls4Thanks to Lawpod Students Katie O’Doherty Presenter and NarratorEva Richards – CelloAlexandra Elizabeth Morar – Violin

In the second episode of the mini-series on Civilian Harm in Conflict, host Mae Thompson from Ceasefire, the Center for Civilian Rights, explores the issues of civillian harm and reparations for victims of military actions in Yemen. The discussion features insights from Bonyan Gamal, a lawyer based in Sana'a Yemen and Program Manager of the Yemeni Archive, Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director of Amnesty International for the Middle East and North Africa and co-investigator on the Reparations for Civilian Harm in Conflict project, and Professor Luke Moffett from Queen's University School of law. The guests explore the various harms experienced by Yemeni civilians, including psychological, economic, and direct physical impacts, and discuss the obstacles and potential solutions for obtaining reparations and accountability. The conversation emphasises the need for a victim-centered approach, improved state policies, and the importance of international support and acknowledgment to address the long-standing grievances and ensure non-repetition of violations.This podcast is the second in a series of episode on Civilian Harm in Conflict – hosted by Mae Thompson, advocacy officer at Ceasefire. The podcast is an output of the AHRC funded ‘Reparations during Armed Conflict‘ project with Queen’s University Belfast, University College London and Ceasefire, led by Professor Luke Moffett.

In this special episode of QUB LawPod, host Taylor Montgomery interviews Philip Armstrong, a solicitor, founder of Armstrong Solicitors and Chair of the Law Society of Northern Ireland's Conveyancing and Property Committee. Philip shares his journey from a non-legal family background to founding a successful high street law firm in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland. He discusses his early career experiences, the importance of work experience in different types of firms, and his realisation that helping people is central to the legal profession. Philip also explains the unique culture of his firm, its innovative use of technology and social media, and his vision for the future of high street law firms in an evolving legal landscape. The episode highlights the challenges and rewards of running a law firm, the significance of client care, and the potential for new graduates in the field.

In this episode of LawPod, hosts Alessandro Corda and Teresa Degenhardt interview Professor Máximo Sozzo, a distinguished academic in criminology from The National University of the Littoral in Argentina. Professor Sozzo discusses his educational background, influences, and extensive work in the fields of sociology of punishment and prison studies. The conversation explores Argentina's political and penal history, the rise of punitive measures in Latin America, the need for decolonising criminology, and the challenges faced by academia in Argentina. Sozzo also shares insights on his ongoing research projects, including a comprehensive study on Argentina's penal metamorphosis and a comparative project on prison transparency. Join us for an in-depth discussion on the nuances of criminology, both locally and globally.Prof Sozzo gave the Queen's University Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice Annual Lecture 2025 - you can view the lecture here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WLq_xwUOwI

In this episode, clinical psychologist and forensic anthropologist Dr Shari Eppel discusses her work finding, exhuming and identifying the remains of the disappeared of Matabeleland, Zimbabwe. Dr Beatrice Canossi and Dr Lauren Dempster speak to Shari about how she became involved in efforts to recover the disappeared, her experience of training a local team in this, the importance of recovering the disappeared for families and communities, and the challenges encountered when trying to recover the disappeared.Please note this episode contains discussion of death and mass violence, including torture and rape.This was episode was recorded in March 2025 during a visit by Shari to Belfast [https://www.qub.ac.uk/Research/GRI/mitchell-institute/news/TransitionalJusticeClusterEvents.html]You can learn more about Shari’s work in this area in the publications below:Eppel, Shari, “How Shall We Talk of Bhalagwe? Remembering the Gukurahundi Era in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe”: in Wale, Kim, Pumla Goboda-Madikizela, Jeffrey Prager (Eds), Post-Conflict Hauntings: Transforming Memories of Historical Trauma, Palgrave MacMillan, Cham, Switzerland, 2020.Eppel, Shari, “Healing the Dead in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe: Combining Tradition with Science to Restore Personhood After Massacres”: in Benyera, Everisto (Ed), Indigenous, Traditional and Non-State Transitional Justice in Southern Africa: Zimbabwe and Namibia, Lexington Books, New York, 2019.Eppel, Shari: “The Heroic and the Hidden Dead: Zimbabwe and Exhumations”: in Groen, W.J. Mike, Nicholas Marquez-Grant, Robert C. Janaway (Eds), Forensic Archaeology: A Global Perspective, Wiley Blackwell, Netherlands, 2015.Eppel, Shari: “‘Bones in the Forest’ in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe: exhumations as a tool to transformation”, International Journal of Transitional Justice, September 2014.Eppel, Shari: “The silencing of the bones” Zimbabwe Update No 2: Solidarity Peace Trust, March 2011.Can be accessed at: http://www.solidaritypeacetrust.org/author/shariep/ Eppel, Shari: “Healing the dead: exhumation and reburial as a route to truth telling and peace building in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe”: in Borer, Tristan Ann (editor) Telling the Truths: Truth telling and peace building in post conflict societies, Joan B Kroc Peace Institute, Notre Dame University Press, 2004. Can be accessed via http://www.solidaritypeacetrust.org/488/healing-the-dead/  Eppel, Shari: “Reburial Ceremonies for Health and Healing after State Terror”: in The Lancet, Vol 360 (issue 9336), 14th September, 2002.

LawPod host Maddy Kowalenko discusses the intricate relationship between sport and the law with Professor Jack Anderson. A distinguished scholar in sports law, Professor Anderson explores topics such as safeguarding athletes, financial sustainability in professional sports, the rise of esports, gender equity, doping, and the integration of AI. Key legal issues discussed include match-fixing, proper concussion protocols, gender inclusion in sports governance, and the evolving framework for women's sports. This episode gives listeners a deep dive into the complex legal ecosystem surrounding the world of sports.

This podcast is the first in a series of episode on Civilian Harm in Conflict - hosted by Mae Thompson, advocacy officer at Ceasefire. The podcast is an output of the AHRC funded 'Reparations during Armed Conflict' project with Queen's University Belfast, University College London and Ceasefire, led by Professor Luke Moffett.Mark Lattimer, Executive Director of Ceasefire joins the podcast. Ceasefire have written a number of reports on civilian harm, in particular on the case for the UK to adopt a reparation scheme for overseas military operations and more recently on arbitrary detention in Ukraine.  Professor Fionnuala ní Aólain has written extensively on the issue of counter-terrorism and in one of her final reports as UN Special Rapporteur highlighted the impact of new technologies on civilians.Professor Luke Moffett has called for a harm based approach to reparations in the midst of ongoing hostilities, such as in Ukraine.Our colleagues on the CIVCOM project have written this blog on EJILtalk on reparations for civilian harm.

In this episode of LawPod, your host Kenneth Elo sits down with three dynamic second-year law students at Queen’s University Belfast to explore the world of student ambassador programs—what they are, how to land one, and why they’re such a powerful addition to any law student’s journey.Anjana Chengun, Usman Aslam, and Eva Livadaris share their experiences representing organizations like A&O Shearman, Legal Cheek, Legal Business Minds, and Barbri. From promoting legal opportunities on campus to building professional networks on LinkedIn, these ambassadors reveal what it takes to thrive in the role—and how it's shaped their confidence, skills, and future legal careers.Whether you’re a student considering applying, or an employer thinking of launching or improving your own campus program, this episode is full of actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and tips for success.For access to student ambassador opportunities;https://www.oncampuspromotions.co.uk/Check out Kenneth Elo's supporting blog post - Representing More Than a Brand: The Real Impact of Student Ambassador Programs

This episode of LawPod, hosted by law student Alexandra Morar, marks the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Alexandra speaks with Brian Dooley, Senior Advisor at Human Rights First and Honorary Professor at Queen’s, who recently returned from Ukraine. Brian shares his experiences investigating the killing of human rights defender Tigran Galustyan and providing first-hand accounts of the daily realities and human rights work in conflict zones like Kharkiv. He discusses the dangers and challenges faced by local volunteers rescuing civilians from the front lines, the impact of Russian attacks, and the ongoing efforts to document and promote the critical human rights work happening amid the conflict.