Lilia Petrosyan
Lilia Petrosyan, an International Human Rights Law graduate from the University of Essex, is one of seven finalists and the only woman shortlisted for the British Council Global Alumni Award in Professional Achievement.
Petrosyan is a Consultant for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights where her responsibilities include supporting the organisation of and developing the annual UN Forum on Minority Issues.
She has also supported the UN Special Rapporteur in developing guidance on eliminating statelessness.
Speaking about the honour, Petrosyan said: “Coming from a small developing country like Armenia, and having very few opportunities, I want to share my story to encourage young women from disadvantaged communities around the world not to allow any obstacle to hinder their education.”
Petrosyan, who volunteered in the Human Rights Clinic at Essex, credited the community in the School of Law and Human Rights Centre for much of her ambition and success. Her Essex experience prompted her to pursue an international career at the forefront of global challenges.
“I feel privileged to work for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights where I make my small contribution to the protection of vulnerable and marginalised communities around the world. I meet many courageous human rights defenders who fight for justice despite facing so many obstacles. I have learned from them that we must never give up,” she added.
(Source: University of Essex News)