STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
MASTER PROGRAMME IN INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW
In 2013, I made a decision to change my sales oriented career into a law-dominated one. The
decision to switch was born out of my desire to make a difference….. In my country – Ghana,
policymakers are the ones who actually have the influence to shape society and make meaningful
differences. The decision I made in 2013 led me to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Law.
Upon my successful completion of a first degree in law (LL.B), I set out to commence my quest
to make that difference I have so yearned for. I started by educating people in the form of online
article writing and by taking up a job in a law firm as an intern. My articles and work as an intern
are however insufficient in the intended change I seek to achieve. For this reason, I desire to
broaden my knowledge.
Before settling on a choice programme for a Master’s degree, I read about challenges facing the
world. My reading revealed that, Europe is currently facing an influx of illegal migrants - mainly
from Africa. This challenge is basically because most Africans have little or no knowledge about
basic human rights and hence are unable to demand same from governments. Governments rule
over people, however, the power that governments exercise through its rule on the people is not
limitless. It is important to make people know their rights. I can play my part in the education of
persons on their rights by acquainting myself with the knowledge.
Ghana is touted as the gateway to Africa - a position it seeks to maintain by improving the literacy
rate of Ghanaians. This engineered the introduction of free Senior High School education across
the country. It is however, imperative to note that, in a few years, the number of qualified persons
who would be seeking tertiary education would increase. The public tertiary institutions
(particularly the universities) in my country would not be able to accommodate the huge numbers.
This would mean that, most Senior High School graduates would seek admission from the private
universities. Most universities are also understaffed. In effect, the universities may turn qualified
students away due to inadequate staff. These students will add to the increasing number of migrant
to Europe. A Master's Degree would offer me the opportunity to add to the much needed university
teaching staff, which will aid lessen a challenge I foresee happening. For this reason, I decided to
pursue a Master's Programme in International Human Rights Law.
I specifically chose International Human Rights Law because of the course content. I stand to gain
insight in Humanitarian Law, a field I have always desired. In addition, the programme is being
run in a country – Sweden – with a sound political climate and low crime rate. Such a country
would definitely have a lot to offer in the field of International Human Rights Law. My choice of
International Human Rights Law from Lund University is because it is practically wise to study in
the best University in Sweden. In addition, it is rare to come across a programme been run by two
(2) prestigious institutions – Lund University and Raoul Wallenberg Institute, hence my desire to
undertake such a programme.
Aside what has been stated supra, reasons for choosing International Human Rights Law is to be
able to acquire knowledge and to contribute my quota towards achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals set by the United Nation (specifically goal number 16 – Peace, Justice and
Strong Institutions). It is worth noting that without peace, stability, human rights and effective
governance, based on the rule of law, there cannot be sustainable development. Coming from a
small West African country, which has enjoyed sound, stable and enviable democracy for more
than three (3) decades, I will be able to contribute to the peace and stability in the entire sub-region.
This will be through article writing, publications, speaking at events and workshops often
organized for participants within the West African sub-region.
It is also uncommon to come by a European trained person in Ghana, let alone someone trained in
Sweden’s topmost University. A Master’s Degree in International Human Rights Law from Lund
University will assist me achieve yet another career goal, which is, to work with a multi-national
organization in the field of championing human rights.
A master’s degree in International Human Rights will afford me the rare opportunity I have always
yearned for to impact on the lives of many. I look forward to meeting people from diverse cultures
from all over the world.