UWA and me
I began a PhD at UWA in 2014, took up a lecturing position in 2016 and submitted my PhD in 2017. UWA gave me the opportunity to engage in research in which I had a deep interest. Support from the Law School and a bursary from Graduate Women (WA) enabled me to participate in conferences, observe sessions at the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, interview international stakeholders and present to one of the UN human rights committees.
Human rights and the next generation
My passion has always been for human rights. I began working in that area after completing a Master of Human Rights and working in the not-for-profit and semi-state sectors for over ten years in Ireland and Australia. Educating the next generation about international human rights law is a passion of mine and I am also privileged to be able to engage in research that supports the protection and promotion of human rights.
UWA's Modern Slavery Research Network - an international effort
Working with colleagues at UWA, in Australia and internationally is a really interesting aspect of my career. For example, I co-convene UWA’s Modern Slavery Research Network. We have members across the University, academic partners in the United Kingdom and Europe, and strong links with NGOs and businesses. Engaging with the UN human rights bodies and supporting civil society engagement with the UN has been fascinating and I’m excited to have signed a book contract with Routledge on this very topic.
Words of wisdom for current students
Make the most of the opportunities that the University can offer. Engage with your peers, your educators and your community and find meaningful activities that ignite your passion.
Dr Fiona McGaughey is a lecturer at the University of Western Australia Law School. She is the Director of Higher Degrees (Coursework) and teaches in the Master of International Law and the undergraduate Law and Society major. Her PhD was on the role of non-governmental organisations in United Nations human rights State reporting mechanisms. Fiona predominantly uses socio-legal research methods and her other research interests include business and human rights (modern slavery), law and human rights pedagogy, transitional justice, disability rights and minority rights.
Fiona has a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in Common and Civil Law with French from The Queen’s University of Belfast and a Master of Human Rights from Curtin University in Western Australia. She previously worked in the private sector and not-for-profit sector in Ireland and Australia.
You can keep up-to-date with Fiona on Twitter and The Conversation. See her UWA research profile here.