Jessica McDonald

Jessica’s research focuses on the role of the United Nations Security Council and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine in the protection of civilians from gross human rights violations perpetrated by non-state armed groups throughout the world.

Jessica has recently completed a Bachelor of Government and International Relations (Honours) at Griffith University, which focused on the role that middle powers play in operationalising R2P, with respect to the Myanmar humanitarian crisis. Jessica graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Government and International Relations and a Bachelor of International Business.

In addition to her academic studies, Jessica completed an internship with Humanists International, an international NGO, in London at the beginning of 2019. Through this role she undertook analysis of countries worldwide on their human rights standards, especially regarding freedom of thought and religion. In doing so, she carried out a large amount of qualitative analysis regarding each State on its human rights standards, particularly  freedom of thought and religion, including towards the non-religious. Through successful participation in this project, she was selected to represent Humanists International in Geneva at the 41st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in July 2019. While in Geneva, Jessica was given the opportunity to address the Council on four occasions and present her findings.