Motivation letter

I am looking for a suitable Master's degree program which I perceive as a chance to upgrade my
knowledge and skills and thereby contribute to the development of humanity and the strengthening
of the values of human rights throughout the world. That is exactly what I found in the International
and European Law (International and Human Rights Law) program.

I completed my bachelor's studies in the field of law. International and European law were taught
during my undergraduate studies. However, law students in Azerbaijan want these courses to be
taught where the roots of the Romano-Germanic and Anglo-Saxon legal systems are laid. Feeling
the need to improve my knowledge of these subjects, I took part in various local and international
events. In 2018, I participated in the International Human Rights and Strategic Litigation training
organized by the Human Rights Institute of the International Bar Association in Tbilisi, and in
2022, then in the Erasmus + training course called Human Rights Detectives in Bakuriani. The
contributions of the trainings which were about the importance of developing research skills, were
irreplaceable. As a consequence of the research skills that I have learned from these trainings, I
have been the only winner (from Azerbaijan) of the Small Grants Competition held by The
American Research Institute of South Caucasus. This grant is given to a person whose research
project deals with real problems, and its results promise rooted changes. My research project is
related to children's rights, whose name is "Why is the Formation of a Juvenile Justice System
Significant in the Legislative system of Azerbaijan?". As a result of my eight months of research,
I prepared a report and suggestions that mentions the importance of a juvenile justice system in
Azerbaijan, which was highly appreciated by the ARISC. In addition to academic activities, I have
been a member of the Young European Ambassadors network created within the framework of
cooperation with the Eastern Partner countries of the European Union, not to stay away from social
activities that will contribute to society. The aim of the network is to raise awareness about the
EU’s cooperation with its Eastern partner countries, showcase the tangible results of this
cooperation, contribute to policy dialogue on various topics, help increase civic activism and work
together for a better future. As a member of this network, I am eager to learn directly how the
relations between the Eastern Partner countries of the European Union are regulated by European
law, how the existing relations are evaluated at the legal level. This is one of the main reasons for
my desire to study for a master's degree in International and European Law at the Ghent University.

I want to do my master's degree in th International and European law program at Ghent university
because even with a little research, the opportunities the university offers to its students can be
seen. The first advantage is that you are given plenty of chances to find a legal job via Ghent
University's online career platform after graduation. This platform helps to analyse your skills,
explore labor market and find a job that better for you.

I believe this program consists of the syllabus covers the fields of law that interest me. First of all,
at this university, I will gain an understanding of how international and European legal instruments
influence the position, mobility, and rights of individuals. This university is giving the opportunity
to the students to choose subjects, such as European and International Migration Law and Policy,
The European Convention on Human Rights: Theory and Practice, International and European
Environmental Law. Human Rights in Context Blog platform of the Human Rights Centre within
the university gives students a chance to participate in discussions on interesting topics related to
human rights, as well as recognizes the opportunity to share their opinions by writing blog posts
that is significant for raising research skills.
 Motivation letter

At present, a number of social and economic difficulties are emerging at a time when integration
into Europe is accelerating. Together with these emerging problems, how to protect and regulate
fundamental rights by European law is one of the main questions. Since the courses offered at
Ghent University are more closely related to European law, taking into account the importance of
what I will learn during the Human Rights in Developing Countries class led by Prof. Dr. Yves
Haeck, writing master's thesis on the topic of “Human rights in EU external policies and
representation” at this university would be an atvantageous choice. Furthermore, the fact that the
professor has many articles in this field, only with these means I may achieve the goals set for my
master's thesis.

Considering that the program offers not only knowledge but also experience, I would like to
participate in moot court simulations which the university offers, especially the International Law,
International Commercial Arbitration, to learn how to apply what I learned in practice, to enrich
theory with practice. In addition, my main goal is also to see key international organizations and
institutions most of which are located in Belgium.

After finishing master`s degree, I will continue my research activity and plan to conduct a project
aimed at increasing awareness of the implementation of human rights of persons with disabilities.
Both the members of the Young European Ambassadors network, and the UGent-alumniplatform
Infinitum have the advantage of hosting such projects. I believe that implementation of successful
projects in this direction will contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals set by the
UN. I also ponder that successful research activities and contribution projects of the graduates will
help to increase the ranking of the program's academic community.

Although I grew up in a remote village in Azerbaijan, I understand well the importance of

I believe my past research experience in international human rights and deep interest in
international and European law would support me to be a part of this scholarship program.

Thank you for considering my application.

Vusala Azizli