Master’s graduate in International Law and Human Rights Tuuli Anna Friege: in a world where democratic values and fundamental rights are often challenged, the role of lawyers in this field is indispensable

Tuuli Anna Friege, a graduate of the School of Law master’s curriculum in International Law and Human Rights, said in his speech at the graduation ceremony in the University of Tartu assembly hall:

Good afternoon, esteemed faculty, proud families, and guests

But foremost, congratulations to my fellow graduates. We not only survived, but we succeeded, for most of us, in our last academic degree. I welcome you all. And I am honoured to speak on behalf of the two English-taught master's programmes in Information Technology Law and International Law and Human Rights.

I would like to reflect on our journey as an international cohort in Tallinn and hope that some of you recognise your experiences. Starting with our first meeting with our dear study coordinator, Elizabeth, vividly explaining that the winter will be long and dark, but the summers are the most beautiful here. She recommended that we enjoy the Estonian culture. We had the chance to experience Independence Day with a flag raising and a military parade, as well as a beautiful Midsummer, and a walk through Viru Raba at minus 15 degrees. As part of our studies, we visited multiple places like the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeing where legal advisors and lawyers are needed.

Now looking back at the many courses we successfully mastered, I want to highlight that every one of our professors and lecturers gave us the opportunity to look behind the curtain of their professions. They invited us to their worlds of history, or jus ad bellum and jus in bello, with humour and side stories that helped us understand not just the theory, but also the practical importance of international law for the states and people involved. This made us aware of our future position as international lawyers.

In the diverse human rights courses, we were confronted with the gravity of violations, the differences in human rights systems and the variety of minority groups. In a world where democratic values and fundamental rights are often challenged, the role of lawyers in this field is indispensable. We are called upon to take action to defend the rule of law and protect the vulnerable, advocate for justice, and ensure accountability for individuals, groups, and states. During our studies, we faced challenges such as moot courts and presentations to the point of gaining the confidence to deliver presentations with a “here we are again” mentality, eager to make our personal interests, in areas like cyberspace warfare or human rights education, interesting to all.

This study was not easy; we were challenged in every course. I remember many occasions of meeting in the reading room, library, or coffee shops by coincidence. Motivating each other when feeling stuck or frustrated with our research by sometimes simply stating (or screaming), “You are an academic weapon!”, “You can do this!”, or just asking, “Who is carrying the boat?” We checked in with each other to make sure that we maintained a balance between work, studying, and life, which does not stop just because academic deadlines are piling up. We found ways to keep balance by doing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the gym, or karaoke. Through and through, we supported each other in our studies and outside of them.

In our practice course, we already had an opportunity to see what our future could look like in international organisations, and make up our minds about what we want after this graduation. I hope we all will find our space in our field to impact and represent the values we learned in our studies. At the same time, never forgetting that there is a balance needed. I wish my fellow graduates great success when applying and interviewing for the next step.

I want to thank everyone who supported us during our studies, our families and friends who, despite the geographical distance, were still there for us. Moreover, I want to thank Elizabeth, Ille, and Lehte, who were confronted with our many questions and sometimes even responded on Sundays or in the middle of the night. Furthermore, I want to thank all of our professors and lecturers for inspiring us to research in every course about the topics we are curious about, giving us the space to develop our skills and think critically.

Lastly, I hope you take your time to celebrate and reflect on your personal experience in your master's programme. The next chapter is just waiting for us to start. I hope we all find the courage and motivation to take action for the things we believe should be protected.

Thank you!

17.06.2025