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Our Team
Our leaders - these students, immersed in the Observatory's interdisciplinary curriculum, are developing expertise at the intersection of leadership and human rights. Through experiential learning, they gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge, becoming effective advocates prepared to navigate the complexities of human rights in practice.
Clara Laplante-Bédard
Clara Laplante-Bédard, lawyer and doctoral candidate in law, is entering her third year with a passion for children's rights, human rights, criminal justice, and criminal law. Driven by deep-rooted values of justice and equality, Clara’s academic and professional journey is guided by these principles.
Her research is focused on the overrepresentation of racialized youth in the juvenile justice system in Quebec. By addressing systemic racism and racial profiling, she aims to promote the principles of non-discrimination and the best interests of the child, as defined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, within the juvenile justice system.
For Clara, the Observatory’s clinical teaching internship represents an ideal opportunity to actively contribute to the dialogue on human rights, while benefiting from the teachings of world-renowned experts. Her goal is to ensure that the Convention on the Rights of the Child is directly applicable in Canadian courts and for the principle of the best interests of the child to be fully integrated into the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
In order to democratize knowledge, Clara Laplante-Bédard is part of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) subgroup, focused on advancing children's rights globally.
Her research is focused on the overrepresentation of racialized youth in the juvenile justice system in Quebec. By addressing systemic racism and racial profiling, she aims to promote the principles of non-discrimination and the best interests of the child, as defined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, within the juvenile justice system.
For Clara, the Observatory’s clinical teaching internship represents an ideal opportunity to actively contribute to the dialogue on human rights, while benefiting from the teachings of world-renowned experts. Her goal is to ensure that the Convention on the Rights of the Child is directly applicable in Canadian courts and for the principle of the best interests of the child to be fully integrated into the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
In order to democratize knowledge, Clara Laplante-Bédard is part of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) subgroup, focused on advancing children's rights globally.
Adèle Gagnon Pelletier
Adèle Gagnon Pelletier is currently pursuing her second-year as an LL.L. student at the University of Ottawa. She is particularly interested in the concept of intersectionality within human rights.
Being from the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, she has observed that in rural areas, various initiatives concerning access to justice for certain vulnerable groups are come challenging to implement.
In order to democratize knowledge, Adèle Gagnon Pelletier is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) subgroup, focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, they will produce a comprehensive report titled The UN’s “Faith for Rights” Toolkit: A Critical Assessment of Its Impact on Women’s Rights, which aims to evaluate the toolkit's effectiveness in addressing gender-based discrimination within religious contexts, and how it aligns with global women's rights standards.
Being from the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, she has observed that in rural areas, various initiatives concerning access to justice for certain vulnerable groups are come challenging to implement.
In order to democratize knowledge, Adèle Gagnon Pelletier is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) subgroup, focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, they will produce a comprehensive report titled The UN’s “Faith for Rights” Toolkit: A Critical Assessment of Its Impact on Women’s Rights, which aims to evaluate the toolkit's effectiveness in addressing gender-based discrimination within religious contexts, and how it aligns with global women's rights standards.
Alexis Blondin-Bois
Originally from a small village in the Hautes-Laurentides region of Quebec, Alexis Blondin-Bois grew up surrounded by nature, where his passion for the outdoors and extreme sports developed. This rural experience, along with the social challenges he faced in his community, profoundly influenced his commitment to human rights.
The Observatory’s clinical teaching aroused Alexis' keen interest in understanding international human rights protection mechanisms. His journey has led him to become involved in various community projects, notably in the fields of food security, defending the rights of sex and gender minorities, and access to education.
In the realm of human rights, Alexis aspires to raise public awareness of crucial issues such as food security and the rights of marginalized people.
In order to democratize knowledge, Alexis Blondin-Bois is part of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) subgroup, focused on advancing children's rights globally.
The Observatory’s clinical teaching aroused Alexis' keen interest in understanding international human rights protection mechanisms. His journey has led him to become involved in various community projects, notably in the fields of food security, defending the rights of sex and gender minorities, and access to education.
In the realm of human rights, Alexis aspires to raise public awareness of crucial issues such as food security and the rights of marginalized people.
In order to democratize knowledge, Alexis Blondin-Bois is part of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) subgroup, focused on advancing children's rights globally.
Lilya Ait Hammou
Lilya Ait Hammou is a second-year student in the Licence of Law program, Civil Law Section, at the University of Ottawa. Curious by nature, her interests are varied, and travel is one of her favorite ways of opening up to the world, to better understand how it works and how she can contribute to it.
In order to democratize knowledge, Lilya Ait Hammou is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) subgroup, focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, they will produce a comprehensive report titled The UN’s “Faith for Rights” Toolkit: A Critical Assessment of Its Impact on Women’s Rights, which aims to evaluate the toolkit's effectiveness in addressing gender-based discrimination within religious contexts, and how it aligns with global women's rights standards.
In order to democratize knowledge, Lilya Ait Hammou is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) subgroup, focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, they will produce a comprehensive report titled The UN’s “Faith for Rights” Toolkit: A Critical Assessment of Its Impact on Women’s Rights, which aims to evaluate the toolkit's effectiveness in addressing gender-based discrimination within religious contexts, and how it aligns with global women's rights standards.
Clara Byk Giroux
Clara Byk Giroux is a second-year student in civil law (LL.L). Originally from Ottawa, she has had the good fortune to grow up abroad, notably in France, Denmark and Australia.
This course is of great interest to her, as it will enable her to learn more about the protection of human rights, as well as the inner workings of the UN, about which she has always been very curious. Among her interests in human rights, Clara is particularly interested in the protection of fundamental rights, especially women's rights, during armed conflicts.
In order to democratize knowledge, Clara Byk Giroux is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) subgroup, focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, they will produce a comprehensive report titled The UN’s “Faith for Rights” Toolkit: A Critical Assessment of Its Impact on Women’s Rights, which aims to evaluate the toolkit's effectiveness in addressing gender-based discrimination within religious contexts, and how it aligns with global women's rights standards.
This course is of great interest to her, as it will enable her to learn more about the protection of human rights, as well as the inner workings of the UN, about which she has always been very curious. Among her interests in human rights, Clara is particularly interested in the protection of fundamental rights, especially women's rights, during armed conflicts.
In order to democratize knowledge, Clara Byk Giroux is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) subgroup, focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, they will produce a comprehensive report titled The UN’s “Faith for Rights” Toolkit: A Critical Assessment of Its Impact on Women’s Rights, which aims to evaluate the toolkit's effectiveness in addressing gender-based discrimination within religious contexts, and how it aligns with global women's rights standards.
Mpabwa Christian
Mpabwa Christian is a second-year PhD student in Law at the University of Ottawa and holds a Master’s degree in Law (LL.M) from the same university. He hold a Licence in Law from the Université Libre des Pays des Grands-Lacs (ULPG-Goma).
His doctoral research focuses on the relationships between mining rights holders and local communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where he is originally from. From a cross-disciplinary perspective, his primary interest lies in the process of developing specifications for the effectiveness of socio-economic and industrial development projects. .
An alumnus of the YALI-Dakar Regional Leadership Center (2021), he was Co-President (2022-2023) of the Graduate Students in Law Association (GSLEED) and has extensive experience as a Legal Advisor for companies.
In order to democratize knowledge, Mpabwa Christian is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) subgroup, focused on tackling the intersections of race and health inequalities. As part of this initiative, they will produce a report titled Addressing Systemic Barriers: Race and the Right to Health in Light of CERD’s General Recommendation 37, which will critically assess how systemic racial discrimination impacts access to healthcare and propose solutions that align with CERD’s framework to promote equity in health outcomes for marginalized racial communities.
His doctoral research focuses on the relationships between mining rights holders and local communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where he is originally from. From a cross-disciplinary perspective, his primary interest lies in the process of developing specifications for the effectiveness of socio-economic and industrial development projects. .
An alumnus of the YALI-Dakar Regional Leadership Center (2021), he was Co-President (2022-2023) of the Graduate Students in Law Association (GSLEED) and has extensive experience as a Legal Advisor for companies.
In order to democratize knowledge, Mpabwa Christian is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) subgroup, focused on tackling the intersections of race and health inequalities. As part of this initiative, they will produce a report titled Addressing Systemic Barriers: Race and the Right to Health in Light of CERD’s General Recommendation 37, which will critically assess how systemic racial discrimination impacts access to healthcare and propose solutions that align with CERD’s framework to promote equity in health outcomes for marginalized racial communities.
Julie Lavallée
Julie Lavallée was born and raised in Montreal. Her academic and professional career is already well-filled and highly diversified. Interested in diversity, she has traveled extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Central America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East to broaden her horizons, discover new opportunities and appreciate other cultures, their beauty and their differences.
Law, justice, fairness and equality are an integral part of its values. Being confronted daily with issues related to the law, she decided to pursue this field more seriously, and is now in her third year of studies at the University of Ottawa's Civil Law Section.
In order to democratize knowledge, Julie Lavallée is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) subgroup, focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, they will produce a comprehensive report titled The UN’s “Faith for Rights” Toolkit: A Critical Assessment of Its Impact on Women’s Rights, which aims to evaluate the toolkit's effectiveness in addressing gender-based discrimination within religious contexts, and how it aligns with global women's rights standards.
Law, justice, fairness and equality are an integral part of its values. Being confronted daily with issues related to the law, she decided to pursue this field more seriously, and is now in her third year of studies at the University of Ottawa's Civil Law Section.
In order to democratize knowledge, Julie Lavallée is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) subgroup, focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, they will produce a comprehensive report titled The UN’s “Faith for Rights” Toolkit: A Critical Assessment of Its Impact on Women’s Rights, which aims to evaluate the toolkit's effectiveness in addressing gender-based discrimination within religious contexts, and how it aligns with global women's rights standards.
Camille Côté
Camille Côté is currently in her second year of a LL.L. at the University of Ottawa. Originally from Rimouski, she is deeply passionate about defending human rights. This year, she became involved with the World Vision association as well as the Immigration and Refugee Law Association. Professionally, she has been a reservist in the Royal Canadian Navy for three years, where she holds the position of Naval Combat Information Operator.
Her interest in human rights law stems from her deep conviction that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, everywhere in the world. She has a particularly strong interest in women’s and children’s rights, as she is deeply convinced that these often vulnerable groups deserve increased attention and protection.
In order to democratize knowledge, Camille Côté is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) subgroup, focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, they will produce a comprehensive report titled The UN’s “Faith for Rights” Toolkit: A Critical Assessment of Its Impact on Women’s Rights, which aims to evaluate the toolkit's effectiveness in addressing gender-based discrimination within religious contexts, and how it aligns with global women's rights standards.
Her interest in human rights law stems from her deep conviction that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, everywhere in the world. She has a particularly strong interest in women’s and children’s rights, as she is deeply convinced that these often vulnerable groups deserve increased attention and protection.
In order to democratize knowledge, Camille Côté is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) subgroup, focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, they will produce a comprehensive report titled The UN’s “Faith for Rights” Toolkit: A Critical Assessment of Its Impact on Women’s Rights, which aims to evaluate the toolkit's effectiveness in addressing gender-based discrimination within religious contexts, and how it aligns with global women's rights standards.
Samuel Despars
Samuel is beginning his third year of LL.L. at the University of Ottawa. Before pursuing his studies in law, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy at the University of Montreal, followed by a Master’s in Administrative Sciences at Laval University. He then gained experience in international development and emergency response, where he encountered various human rights issues.
During his law studies, he developed various interests, particularly in fundamental freedoms and foreign investment law. Maintaining a strong interest in philosophy, he is particularly drawn to questions of morality within institutions and businesses.
In order to democratize knowledge, Samuel Despars is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) subgroup, focused on tackling the intersections of race and health inequalities. As part of this initiative, they will produce a report titled Addressing Systemic Barriers: Race and the Right to Health in Light of CERD’s General Recommendation 37, which will critically assess how systemic racial discrimination impacts access to healthcare and propose solutions that align with CERD’s framework to promote equity in health outcomes for marginalized racial communities.
During his law studies, he developed various interests, particularly in fundamental freedoms and foreign investment law. Maintaining a strong interest in philosophy, he is particularly drawn to questions of morality within institutions and businesses.
In order to democratize knowledge, Samuel Despars is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) subgroup, focused on tackling the intersections of race and health inequalities. As part of this initiative, they will produce a report titled Addressing Systemic Barriers: Race and the Right to Health in Light of CERD’s General Recommendation 37, which will critically assess how systemic racial discrimination impacts access to healthcare and propose solutions that align with CERD’s framework to promote equity in health outcomes for marginalized racial communities.
Fernanda Barrios Vega
Fernanda Barrios Vega is pursuing her third year of LL.L. at the University of Ottawa. Originally from Paraguay, she immigrated to Canada in 2005. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies and French from Dalhousie University. Fernanda is fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Her main area of interest is the protection of human rights, particularly the issues raised by artificial intelligence and its potential impact on fundamental rights and democratic systems. She is especially interested in its impact on women’s rights.
In order to democratize knowledge, Fernanda Barrios Vega is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) subgroup, focused on tackling the intersections of race and health inequalities. As part of this initiative, they will produce a report titled Addressing Systemic Barriers: Race and the Right to Health in Light of CERD’s General Recommendation 37, which will critically assess how systemic racial discrimination impacts access to healthcare and propose solutions that align with CERD’s framework to promote equity in health outcomes for marginalized racial communities.
Her main area of interest is the protection of human rights, particularly the issues raised by artificial intelligence and its potential impact on fundamental rights and democratic systems. She is especially interested in its impact on women’s rights.
In order to democratize knowledge, Fernanda Barrios Vega is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) subgroup, focused on tackling the intersections of race and health inequalities. As part of this initiative, they will produce a report titled Addressing Systemic Barriers: Race and the Right to Health in Light of CERD’s General Recommendation 37, which will critically assess how systemic racial discrimination impacts access to healthcare and propose solutions that align with CERD’s framework to promote equity in health outcomes for marginalized racial communities.
Yanie St. Pierre
Yanie is a second-year LL.L. student at the University of Ottawa. Originally from Gatineau-Ottawa, she began her university education in International Development and Globalization in 2022. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for international law. She decided to pursue a career as a lawyer to make a difference in the field of human rights, particularly in women’s rights. Yanie dreams of representing her country as a diplomat while working with various humanitarian organizations.
In order to democratize knowledge, Yanie St. Pierre is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) subgroup, focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, they will produce a comprehensive report titled The UN’s “Faith for Rights” Toolkit: A Critical Assessment of Its Impact on Women’s Rights, which aims to evaluate the toolkit's effectiveness in addressing gender-based discrimination within religious contexts, and how it aligns with global women's rights standards.
In order to democratize knowledge, Yanie St. Pierre is part of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) subgroup, focused on documenting the intersection of gender, religion, and culture. As part of this initiative, they will produce a comprehensive report titled The UN’s “Faith for Rights” Toolkit: A Critical Assessment of Its Impact on Women’s Rights, which aims to evaluate the toolkit's effectiveness in addressing gender-based discrimination within religious contexts, and how it aligns with global women's rights standards.
Stéphanie St. Jacques
Stéphanie St Jacques is a bilingual law student at the University of Ottawa, currently completing her Licentiate in Law through the National Program. With a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor (cum laude), she has developed expertise in Indigenous, Maritime, and International Law, earning certificates from The Hague Academy of International Law. Next year, Stéphanie will clerk 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. Currently she works for Senator McPhedran, where she coordinated high-profile events including the Youth-Parliament Nuclear Summit and conducted legislative research on human rights, Indigenous and environmental law. At the University of Ottawa, Stéphanie has represented the Common Law Faculty at the Rousseau Moot this summer in Belgium and conducted research on International mining contracts with the TradeLab 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, Stéphanie St. Jacques is part of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) subgroup, focused on advancing children's rights globally.
Her legal experience includes internships at Bombardier-Alstom, government agencies as well as Indigenous child protection work at a law firm. Currently she works for Senator McPhedran, where she coordinated high-profile events including the Youth-Parliament Nuclear Summit and conducted legislative research on human rights, Indigenous and environmental law. At the University of Ottawa, Stéphanie has represented the Common Law Faculty at the Rousseau Moot this summer in Belgium and conducted research on International mining contracts with the TradeLab 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, Stéphanie St. Jacques is part of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) subgroup, focused on advancing children's rights globally.
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