Brunel Law School’s Professor Alexandra Xanthaki serves as United Nations Special Rapporteur, giving the university the rare distinction of having a member of staff serve such high level of mandates. Special Rapporteurs are leading independent human rights experts elected by the UN to report on specific human rights issues. There are currently 55 working around the world. Professor Alexandra Xanthaki Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights Initially for three years, Professor Xanthaki’s mandate is to promote and protect cultural rights and cultural diversity. From the right to participate in culture, to the right to cultural heritage, and rights to artistic and scientific freedom, the mandate is quite broad. In her new role, Prof Xanthaki will complete two thematic studies every year after consultations with all stakeholders. She is also expected to visit formally two countries a year to monitor and discuss their position on cultural rights and provide technical help to those countries where required. She will also be responsible for communicating with states where specific complaints have been made to the UN on the issue. Professor Xanthaki was appointed in October 2021. Promoting cultural rights: videos and podcasts Our World, Connected: Is culture the missing key to global progress? Listen to this podcast episode on Spotify Annus Horribilis: Through the Lens of Human Rights Lawyer Please Allow all cookies to view this video from YouTube. Alternatively view the video from YouTube content here Expert Witness Statement - Seven Sisters CPO Hearing Please enable cookies to view this video.Click here to view the video from YouTubeEnable cookies The Human Dimension of Heritage in the EU Please Allow all cookies to view this video from YouTube. Alternatively view the video from YouTube content here Culture for sustainable development Please Allow all cookies to view this video from YouTube. Alternatively view the video from YouTube content here How the University's work fits with the SDGs The research, teaching and corporate activity that takes place here at Brunel – and which engages individuals, communities, societies and economies – helps to achieve, evaluate and improve the UN SDGs. Policy news 21 Feb 2025 Written Evidence: Make Work Pay. Employment Rights Bill – Prof Julie Davies and external colleagues 20 Feb 2025 EUobserver: What is the EU doing on AI facial-scraping recognition, and is it enough? – Dr Asress Adimi Gikay 19 Feb 2025 Written Evidence: Make Work Pay. Employment Rights Bill – Dr Michael Koch, Prof Sarah Park 18 Feb 2025 The Conversation: AI can boost economic growth, but it needs to be managed incredibly carefully – Prof Ashley Braganza, Dr Asieh Hosseini Tabaghdehi