In this first part of our conversation with Philip McDonagh, former Irish diplomat and Director of the Centre for Religion, Human Values and International Relations at Dublin City University, we explore the deeper values that underpin diplomacy, human rights, and peaceful coexistence. Drawing on his experience with the Good Friday Agreement, peacebuilding initiatives in South Asia, and diplomatic service across Europe and beyond, Philip explains why effective institutions depend on what he calls “pre-political” culture: the trust, relationships, and shared values that make cooperation possible before laws and politics take over.

The conversation examines the growing importance of intercivilizational dialogue in a world facing conflict, polarization, and what Philip describes as a “polycrisis” of interconnected global challenges. From Aristotle’s ideas on friendship and justice to contemporary initiatives at the United Nations, he argues that societies must return to first principles if they are to build more inclusive and resilient political systems.

Philip also explores the connection between intercivilizational dialogue, human rights, and access to justice, emphasizing that civil and political rights cannot be separated from social and economic rights. Throughout the episode, he makes the case that meaningful progress depends not only on institutions but also on the values, education, and human relationships that sustain them.

• What Philip McDonagh means by “pre-political” culture

• Why trust and shared values are essential for justice and democracy

• How intercivilizational dialogue can help address global crises

• The links between human rights, social order, and access to justice

• What lessons the Good Friday Agreement offers for peacebuilding today

• Why social and economic rights deserve equal attention alongside civil and political rights

• Diplomacy and peacebuilding

• The Good Friday Agreement

• Religion, values, and international relations

• Intercivilizational dialogue

• Human rights and access to justice

• Aristotle and political philosophy

• Building trust across divided societies

• Global governance and multilateralism

Philip McDonagh is Director of the Centre for Religion, Human Values and International Relations and Adjunct Professor at Dublin City University. A distinguished former Irish diplomat, he contributed to the peace process surrounding the Good Friday Agreement and has worked extensively on conflict resolution, intercultural dialogue, and international relations.

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• 02:00 – From diplomacy to intercivilizational dialogue

• 04:20 – Why trust matters more than legislation alone

• 07:00 – Civilizations as interconnected traditions

• 09:30 – Human rights, social order, and justice

• 13:20 – The new intercivilizational dialogue project

• 16:30 – Lessons from the Helsinki Process

• 18:00 – India’s role in promoting dialogue

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Because everyone can be a human rights defender.

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In this episode we have the honour to speak with Professor Michael O'Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe. From the UN in the former Yugoslavia to leading the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, O'Flaherty describes his role as a "field diplomat" committed to being on the ground where people hurt.

We discuss his four strategic priorities: Ukraine, global challenges (AI, climate, migration), championing marginalized communities (especially Roma), and protecting human rights defenders. O'Flaherty also critiques proposed social media bans for children, advocates for youth climate activism, and shares why he remains hopeful despite growing pressures on human rights systems.

Key Topics:

• The "field diplomat" approach to human rights work
• Ukraine: defending people, not just territory
• Roma communities and "Antigypsyism" in Europe
• Regulating platforms, not banning children from social media
• Youth climate activism and legitimate protest rights
• Finding hope in human rights achievements

Guest Bio: Prof. Michael O'Flaherty is Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe. Formerly Director of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency and member of the UN Human Rights Committee, he has established human rights programs across Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sierra Leone, and Asia-Pacific.

Resources:

• Safeguarding Ukrainians Displaced Across Europe: coe.int
• Reclaim Human Rights: coe.int
• Social Media Bans: coe.int
• Human Rights Defenders: coe.int
• Roma Communities (12 Million): coe.int

Support Just Access: just-access.de/donate | Contact: podcast@just-access.de

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In this second part of our conversation, Dr. Miranda Melcher continues speaking with Sandra Berty about her latest work on violence against mothers—an often overlooked but critical dimension of gender-based violence.

Sandra shares insights from her recent submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, explaining why violence against mothers must be recognized as a distinct legal category. She unpacks how conflict disproportionately impacts mothers, from forced caregiving roles to the long-term consequences of forced pregnancy.

The conversation also explores how legal frameworks evolve, why naming specific harms matters for justice and reparations, and what developments in international law—especially around sexual and reproductive rights—are shaping the future of accountability.

• What counts as violence against mothers
• Why legal definitions shape justice and reparations
• The concept of forced motherhood as continuous harm
• Gaps in current international legal frameworks
• The role of UN submissions and advocacy
• The significance of the Ongwen case at the ICC
• Emerging developments in sexual and reproductive health rights in international law
• 
  

• Violence against mothers is not fully captured under existing gender-based violence frameworks.
• Recognizing maternal-specific harm leads to more effective accountability and reparations.
• Forced pregnancy has lifelong physical, psychological, and economic consequences.
• Legal progress—especially in international criminal law—is opening new pathways for justice.
• There is growing momentum toward broader recognition of reproductive autonomy in conflict settings.

Sandra Berty – Legal professional working on gender-based violence and international justice, with a focus on conflict-related harms and reproductive rights.

Dr. Miranda Melcher – Senior Legal Fellow at Just Access

• UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls
• ICC Ongwen case (forced pregnancy and reproductive autonomy)
• Just Access Podcast – Part 1 with Sandra Bert
• 
  

If you believe in access to justice and human rights for all:

• Share this episode
• Leave a rating or review
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The Just Access Podcast explores how to make human rights meaningful and accessible for everyone. We believe: Everyone can be a Human Rights Defender.

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