Originally from Italy, Laura Cestaro‘s path took her to London to study law at Queen Mary University and to Geneva to pursue her LL.M. (Masters of Laws) at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. During her studies, Laura took up many demanding jobs, including acting on the national board of the European Law Students Association (ELSA), heading two delegations for ELSA, including one to CEDAW (UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women) and spearheading the organisation and implementation of international moot competitions across the UK. Laura also worked at British Institute of Human Rights as a Placement Student where she focused on the UK’s human rights compliance. Laura wrote her Bachelor thesis on “Combatting the Familiar Threat: Is International Human Rights Law effectively tackling domestic violence?” and, as the Assistant for Human Rights at ELSA International, authored a report on technology and human rights, which was published by the Council of Europe. In September 2021, Laura joined Kona Connect with her wealth of skills and resourcefulness and has since become an invaluable member of our volunteer team and entrusted with co-leading the Advocacy Team.
1. Where did your passion for human rights law begin?
My ambition and passion for advocating towards better human rights protection since a very early age. At High School, I founded and led the “Equality Club”, which was an awareness-raising and activist support group for LGBT+. This activity has since shaped my thinking, my approach to others, and even career aspirations and later even won the recognition of the Magic Circle Law Firm Clifford Chance.
2. What progress do you hope to make in the protection and promotion of human rights, particularly women’s rights, in the next five year?
After graduating from my LL.M., I hope to be working in NGOs or international organisations and help build the accountability process from within international environments. Particularly, I would like to work towards safer homes for women all over the globe in the fight against domestic violence and other forms of violence against women. I would also like to improve the ECHR protections for women through the court and work towards greater efficacy of the CEDAW system.
3. Would you share with us your top three resolutions for this new year?
– write a thought-provoking thesis on the lack of international legal protections against domestic violence that allows me to explore the concrete solutions to the problem from a legal perspective
– travel and meet more and more people enthusiastic about human rights and making a real change
– explore hands-on the world of international NGOs by searching for job opportunities
4. What are your professional ambitions ?
I think by now it is clear that I am enthusiastic about securing human rights compliance and working in international environments. Hence, I see myself working and building a strong career in international organisations and/or NGOs.
Check out Laura Cestaro’s profile on Linkedin. She is currently looking for a job after completing her studies and we can wholeheartedly and without a shadow of a doubt recommend Laura. Any organisation she decides to join will be lucky to have such a hard working and resourceful person like Laura on their team.
Laura Cestaro at the European Human Rights Moot Court Competition
