University News Last updated 19 June 2013
Undergraduate and postgraduate Law students have put their knowledge into practice during a mock United Nations Security Council debate at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.
The event provided an excellent academic experience, allowing the students to present and debate human rights issues within a mock set up of the United Nations Security Council. Student Leyla Buran said it enabled them “to engage in what we learn in a hands-on way, allowing us to have first-hand experience as to how the law and principles we are taught are dealt with in a real organisation. It is easier to understand law and the way in which it functions, or even comes about, if you have a chance to apply it yourself”.
Dr Jon Yorke, lecturer in International Human Rights, who organised the trip, said: “The Mock United Nations event at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office was a great success. It provided a wonderful academic experience enabling the students to present and debate human rights issues. The members of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office who present the British Government’s bilateral and multilateral initiatives were extremely impressed with the Birmingham City University law students. They told me we have future Foreign Ministers in amongst our students!”.
The students who attended found the trip so beneficial and enjoyable they nominated Jon for the award of 'Extra Creative or Innovative Teaching' at the Students' Union Extra Mile Awards. The nomination praised Jon's efforts in organising the trip to enhance their learning experience: "This event not only helped me to excel academically but also professionally! He is always creating new ways for us to get involved with our studies and I can truly say he has gone that extra mile to make not only mine but all students' experience at university better".
Jon went on to win the award in recognition of his efforts to improve the students' personal and professional development during their time at Birmingham City University.