She holds an LLB degree from the University of Khartoum and an LLM degree in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa from the University of Pretoria. Currently, she is pursuing her LLD in Human Rights at the same prestigious South African institution.
For the past week Mai has been settling in at the NCHR for her stay:
- The welcoming atmosphere and collaborative spirit among the staff at the NCHR is just “Wholesome”. I look forward to leveraging both the academic and cultural aspects of this opportunity to enhance my research and personal growth.
Evaluating the influence of UPR recommendations in Sudan
Her doctoral research is particularly pertinent to contemporary human rights discourse. Mai's research aims to understand the impact of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)—an international human rights compliance mechanism—on protecting and advancing children's rights. She specifically uses the right to education in Sudan as a critical case study.
- For as long as I can remember, I have been deeply passionate about children’s rights, as they are among the most vulnerable groups in need of protection. My professional experiences, particularly my work with refugee children in schools in Sudan, have profoundly shaped my interest in this field. Witnessing firsthand the harsh educational conditions many children face, especially those in displacement settings, has fuelled my desire to focus on the right to education as a fundamental component of children's rights, says Mai.
Her research intends to evaluate how recommendations from the UPR influence national policies in Sudan and contribute to improving children's access to education. Moreover, her work delves into the interplay between various international human rights monitoring mechanisms. By focusing on the dynamics between the UPR, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC Committee), and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), Mai seeks to highlight the complementarity and effectiveness of these bodies in safeguarding children's rights.
- UPR stands out from other human rights monitoring mechanisms due to its inclusive and non-confrontational nature. The relationship between the UPR and children’s rights, remains underexplored in scholarly research, making it an intriguing and valuable area of study.
Interdisciplinary background
Mai Aman is not just an academic; her professional experience significantly enriches her research. With over six years of experience in research, advocacy, and project management, she has developed specialized expertise in women's rights, children's rights, democracy, and transitional justice. Her understanding of international law and the African Human Rights System and its institutions is both profound and practical.
Currently, Mai is a legal officer at the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA), a Pan-African feminist organization. Her role at ISLA involves strengthening accountability mechanisms across the continent, further underscoring her commitment to promoting justice and human rights.