Erasmus Mundus Personal Statement Draft

"Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and
where
individuals and nations are free."
14th Dalai Lama
My motivation towards obtaining this pathway is not just the reflection of my previous five
years’ journey but it comprises of my previous experiences which I gained while growing up.
Belonging to the northern-western part of Pakistan highly affected by conflicts and crises for
almost 2 decades provided me with first-hand experience where I witnessed the cost of human
life through events like cross-border terrorism resulting in the displacement of people known as
(IDPs), loss of life in drone attacks and illegal abduction of people. These events resulted in a
desire for the understanding of legal framework related to Rights, Liabilities, peace, security, and
development.
My current legal education provided that initial spark and the last couple of years provided me
with a basic understanding of Public International Law which illuminated the principles of
international humanitarian law, conflict resolution under conventions and customs, and the role
of judicial bodies towards the finality of a conflict or matter of rights as well as its
implementation. Along with the basics, I opted for some online courses on platforms like
Coursera, Open University UK, and Unitary which served as the source of broader
understanding. One of the examples of such courses is “International Humanitarian Law in
Theory and Practice” from Leiden University Netherlands. This program of ILGSPD directly
addresses my core interests in Global Security, peace, and development whereas its multi-
campus structure in different European universities is aligned with my love for traveling which
provides the opportunity to experience diverse cultures and interaction with people as they are
the source of immense exposure and significance.
During my academic journey till now, I have been through thick and thin, but it has not affected
my aspirations and goals. Every challenge developed patience and equipped me with different
skills. My current score (GPA) of 3.57 and my online courses demonstrate my dedication to my
learning and education. But academic part has not been the only objective of my journey. I have
been involved in volunteer activities on multiple occasions, of which the most recent one was
being part of the CSP Department. I played my part in organized activities such as tree plantation
drives, awareness of breast cancer, and teaching in orphanages. During the pandemic COVID-19,
I even got the opportunity to work with a team of doctors in the field where I saw the lack of
awareness and requirement of attention in the masses. I benefited from this diversity of activities
which developed the skills of teamwork, time and crisis management and the ground reality of
community outreach. I have been working for almost six and a half years as an online teacher
and it was all due to financial constraints and the requirement of that time to continue my
education. My teaching journey equipped me with self-sufficiency and taught me to balance my
workload by taking both together since then. During my degree, after that initial phase, I
obtained a Scholarship in the middle of my degree from the Government of Pakistan, and it
started to bear my basic tuition fees. I started working as an intern in August 2023 in a law firm,
which took me from a theoretical foundation to a practical approach. It added value by enhancing
my skills related to court proceedings. During this period, I attended the court on behalf of my
senior council, assisted in the filing of motions and research in cases, resolution of matters
through arbitration, and implementation of international and domestic laws.
My interest in looking into international law for research purposes studying human rights, and
global security issues, in the area affected by crises and conflicts, and determining the legality of
those matters through doctrinal and empirical research. My proposed topic for research and
thesis on the legality of swift surgical strikes, its impact on the humanitarian crises and till what
extent it is permissible in countries like Pakistan. This topic shows the intent towards the
understanding of the legal implications and what steps and strategies can be derived for the
betterment of the masses affected in the last couple of decades. For this reason, I prefer pathway
3 which is my first choice because the University of Tartu is a university among one of the best
and oldest faculties and its Department of Human Right's expertise and diverse perspective make
it invaluable for my thesis and research goals. My aim and interest for the placement after
completion of this program is to work with organizations such as UNICEF, EU, UN, and think
tanks. Their contribution towards the development of policy and their role in representing the
rights of people and protecting those affected by the conflict.
I believe that the diversity that this program brings through its culture and globalization can
provide me with the opportunity and equipment such as experience, knowledge and exposure and
it will act as a catalyst throughout this journey. Throughout my journey till now, it contained a
diversity in my experience. On the one hand, it contained academic and practical experience. It
was enshrined by such activities which developed the skills of critical thinking and my passion
for involvement in it. Deep discussions developed my critical thinking.
In the end, I would like to say I look forward to working as an advocate for human rights, global
security, and sustainable development. And the partnerships of this program can be a perfect path
for me. This program is more than an academic program for me, but it will act as the exposure
and learning of a lifetime. My interest in this program is the result of experience from my
past and goals in my future. I plead in front of you to provide me with an opportunity to become
a part of this program.
Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Saad Bin Kamal

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"Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and

Thank you for your consideration.

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