Svala Davíðsdóttir, graduate of the Department of Law at Reykjavík University, has been awarded for her master’s thesis, Human Rights and Climate Change: An Analysis of the European Court of Human Rights’ Judgment in Verein KlimaSeniorinnen v. Switzerland. As part of the recognition, she will take up a traineeship at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Her thesis explores the landmark judgment delivered on April 9, 2024, where the Court found that Switzerland had failed to take sufficient measures to protect its citizens from the harmful effects of human-induced climate change.

“This case touches on one of the most urgent challenges of our time—climate change,” Svala said. “As a young person, I worry about the future of our planet, and from a legal perspective, the judgment is fascinating, as it addresses issues of great significance for the future.”

The traineeship programme is the result of an agreement between the law faculties of Reykjavík University and the University of Iceland with the ECHR, initiated by former professor at RU and HÍ, Dr. Oddný Mjöll Arnardóttir. Each year, one graduate from each faculty is selected for this unique opportunity, assisting Judge Oddný Mjöll at the Court for up to five months.

Svala says;

Human rights, and especially the right to life and dignified living conditions, are very close to my heart. This is an invaluable opportunity for a young lawyer like me who wishes to pursue a career in this field.

Alongside Svala, Birta Steinunn Ragnarsdóttir from the University of Iceland was also recognised for her thesis on freedom of expression in relation to sexual violence. Both graduates presented their research at a recent seminar at the University of Iceland.