Mehari Fisseha
Mehari Fisseha is an Irish scholar, professor, and social justice advocate specializing in international law, migration, peacebuilding, and human rights.[1] His academic background and involvement in global advocacy have contributed to his work in humanitarian law, refugee protection, and governance.[2]
Early life and Education
Fisseha was born in East Africa and later became an Irish citizen. He pursued academic studies across several countries, earning degrees in law, governance, international development, and related fields:
- LLB in Law and European Studies, University of Limerick, Ireland - MA in Governance and Political Transformation, University of the Free State, South Africa - MA in Criminal Justice, Governance, and Police Science, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany, and Ghent University, Belgium - MSc in Sociology of Law, Lund University, Sweden - MA in Peacebuilding, Coventry University, United Kingdom - MA in International Development Practice, Mary Immaculate College, Ireland - M.Comm in Government and Public Policy, University College Cork, Ireland - MA in Religion in Peace and Conflict, Uppsala University, Sweden - Professional Master's in European Studies, University College London and CCITABEL - PhD in Social Policy and Social Work, Masaryk University, Czech Republic - PhD in Migration Studies, University of Granada, Spain - PhD in International Development Studies, University of Pretoria (UP)
He also holds a Dr.iur (Doctor of Law) and has received specialized training in areas such as human trafficking, humanitarian law, and conflict resolution.[1]
Academic and Professional Career
Fisseha has worked as a scholar and researcher in fields including international law, diplomacy, and human rights. His research areas include migration law, humanitarian intervention, peace and conflict studies, social policy, child welfare, African politics, and poverty alleviation.
He has participated in international conferences and workshops focused on topics such as forced migration, humanitarian assistance, civil society, and child protection.
Publications
Selected works authored by Fisseha include:
- *he Roles of Civil Society and International Humanitarian Organizations in Managing Refugee Crisis in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region* (2017) - *Syrian Refugee Crisis, From Turkey to European Union – Methods and Challenges* (2017) - *Challenges of Policing Migration Flows Through Smart Border Technology: A Case Study of the Mediterranean Region* (2016) - *Considering the Multiple and Pressing Challenges the United Nations Faces Today – What is the Proper Role of the Secretary-General as a Top International Public Servant?* (2016) - *The Human Rights Approach to Markets in the World Trade Organization, United Nations, and International Labour Organization* (2014) - *Children, Conflict, and International Practice: Exploring the Rights of the Child During Armed Conflict Concerning Humanitarian Law and Human Rights* (2014) - *In Search of Political Integrity: Compliance of Australian Law in International Human Rights Law in Representing Indigenous Peoples* (2013) - *Responsibility to Protect: Rwanda and International Law* (2012)
Awards and recognitions
Fisseha has received numerous academic scholarships and fellowships, including:
- Erasmus Scholarship, Department of Political Science, Stockholm University (2008) - Allan & Nesta Ferguson Trust Scholarship, Coventry University (2013) - European Graduate School in Social Sciences (EUSOC) Scholarship, Masaryk University (2014) - Summer School Scholarship, CEU San Pablo University, Madrid (2016) - MO Ibrahim Foundation Residential School on Governance and Development in Africa (2016) - Delegate for international study trip to Turkey, awarded by the Republic of Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2015) - Swiss-Romanian Government Summer School Fellowship on Advocacy and Migration Policy (2017) - Water Diplomacy Training Fellowship, Swedish Institute Alexandria and University of Twente (2017) - Humanitarian Assistance Fellowship, University of Tuebingen and Max Planck Institute for the Study of Ethnic Diversity (2016) - European Diplomacy Workshop Recognition, European Academy of Diplomacy (2017)
Political involvement and Controversy
Fisseha is affiliated with the Irish Freedom Party (IFP), a right-wing political party in Ireland. In 2024,[2] an interview he gave in the United States was circulated in Ireland, leading to criticism from some IFP members who questioned his role in the party due to his African heritage. Fisseha responded to the controversy by addressing racism in political institutions and calling for inclusive representation.