On 5 June 2024, the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) hosted a book launch for the second edition of "Research Methods in Human Rights - A Handbook" edited by Bård A. Andreassen, Claire Methven O’Brien, and Hans-Otto Sano.
A successful event
The event itinerary featured a warm welcome by acting Head of the Centre, Nina Reiners, followed by greetings from the Dean of the Faculty, Ragnhild Helene Hennum. The seminar included a panel discussion, titled "A retrospective on the history of human rights research in Norway over the past 40 years". The session was introduced by Bård Anders Andreassen and included participation from panellists Stener Ekern, Elsabe Boshoff, and Maria Lundberg. The lively discussion was moderated by Mathew Saul, and attendees were invited to participate with their comments and questions.
Following a short break, the highlight of the event took place - the launch of the new book "Research Methods in Human Rights - A Handbook" by Elgar publishing house. The book, which is the 2nd revised edition, was published in May 2024. Presentations were made by Hans-Otto Sano and Bård Anders Andreassen. Sandra Petersen moderated the session.
Addressing the interdisciplinary nature of human rights research
The second edition of "Research Methods in Human Rights" offers a comprehensive assessment of human rights research methodology, addressing the interdisciplinary nature of the subject. New chapters have been included to discuss comparative human rights law, qualitative methods of data generation and analysis, methodological challenges facing human rights-based approaches, and the impact of new and emerging digital technologies. The book effectively explores the complexities that arise when conducting human rights research at the crossroads of different academic disciplines, offering an agenda for best practice.
The book serves as an excellent reference tool for academics, researchers, and students in human rights, law, development, public international law, and development studies. Additionally, it will be beneficial to human rights practitioners and policymakers, given the recent prominence of human rights discourse at both national and international levels.
Bård Anders Andreassen, the focal point of the event, is a noted political scientist with over 30 years of experience in research and policy analysis in sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia. His work has focused on human rights and development, business and human rights, democratisation, governance, transitional justice, development aid, and more. With numerous consultancies for prominent organizations and international election observer experience, Bård Anders Andreassen's retirement is indeed a significant milestone.