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Megan Manion
Attorney I UN Women, Peace and Security
Professional Background
Megan Manion is an accomplished legal professional with a deep commitment to international law, human rights, and social justice. With a stellar academic background and diverse professional experience, she has made significant contributions to various organizations dedicated to these causes. As a former Robina Foundation Public Interest Fellow both at UN Women and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid's Immigration Law Project, Megan has demonstrated her unparalleled dedication to advocating for marginalized communities and ensuring justice on a global scale.
Throughout her career, Megan has taken on multiple roles that highlight her expertise in legal research, policy development, and advocacy. One of her notable positions was serving as a Human Rights Watch Advisory Project Researcher at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. In this role, she contributed essential research and insights to inform human rights initiatives and policies. Additionally, her role as a Delegate at the 14th Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court with the American NGO Coalition for the International Criminal Court reflects her commitment to international legal processes and accountability.
From her early professional experiences, such as working as a Legal and Medical Advocate at the Sexual Violence Center, to her more recent consulting work at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), Megan has maintained a strong focus on public interest law. Her comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks related to human rights is enhanced by her various fellowships, including her time as a Benjamin B. Ferencz Fellow in Human Rights & Law at World Without Genocide, where she actively engaged in educational initiatives aimed at preventing genocide and promoting justice.
Education and Achievements
Megan’s educational journey is marked by her pursuit of knowledge in law, governance, and international relations. She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Minnesota Law School, where her concentrations focused on International Law and International Human Rights Law. This solid foundation underpinned her commitment to advocating for justice on a global scale.
In addition to her law degree, Megan also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This undergraduate education provided her with a strong understanding of political systems and theories, which she has effectively applied in her legal career. Megan's commitment to cultural understanding is also evident from her time as a Fulbright Hays Fellow at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she engaged in advanced Yorùbá language study. This experience not only broadened her academic horizons but also enriched her ability to interact with diverse communities.
Megan's academic accolades are complemented by her research and practical experiences across multiple prestigious organizations, where she has honed her skills in legal research, policy advocacy, and community engagement. As a Research Fellow at the Transitional Justice Institute and a Research Assistant for Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin at the University of Minnesota Law School, her contributions to academic and policy discourse have been invaluable and widely recognized.
Notable Achievements
Megan Manion's career is decorated with various roles and responsibilities that highlight her expertise in human rights law and advocacy. Noteworthy achievements include:
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Contributing Research and Advocacy at UN Women: As a Robina Foundation Public Interest Fellow in the Peace & Security Section, Megan played a vital role in advancing international human rights and gender equality initiatives.
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Engagement with the International Criminal Court: Serving as a Delegate at the 14th Assembly of States Parties marked a significant achievement, underscoring her dedication to international criminal law and human rights.
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Policy Development at Human Rights Watch: In her advisory researcher role, Megan contributed to pivotal projects that seek to inform and enhance global human rights policies, showcasing her analytical skills and commitment to justice.
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Strategic Advocacy for Sexual Violence Survivors: Through her role as a Legal and Medical Advocate at the Sexual Violence Center, she directly supported survivors while advocating for systemic changes in law and policy.
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Research Contributions: Megan has consistently delivered essential insights into human rights issues through her roles at various academic institutions and NGOs, strengthening the discourse around international law and justice.
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International Academic Engagement: By participating in the Fulbright-Hays program, Megan not only advanced her understanding of the Yorùbá language and culture but also created a bridge that enhances her future work in international settings.
Megan's long-standing commitment to public interest law, coupled with her extensive academic and professional background, positions her as a significant contributor to the fields of international law and human rights. Her work reflects an inspiring dedication to fostering positive change and ensuring justice across communities, both locally and globally.