News & Events

On Monday, 13th October 2025, Professor Siobhán Mullally, Director of Irish Centre for Human Rights, Mr Alex Metcalf, University of Galway’s VP for Internationalisation, and academic members of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, met a high level delegation from the Chinese Embassy and other associated representatives led by Mr. Xie Fuzhan, Chairman of China Foundation for Human Rights Development, Former President of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The purpose of the visit was to present an overview of the Irish Centre for Human Rights and University of Galway’s human rights focused academic programmes and research initiatives. Led by Mr. Xie Fuzhan, the delegation also briefed the group on their initiatives in the field of human rights. During the meeting, participants discussed the Irish Centre for Human Rights’ work in international human rights law, migration and refugee law, peace operations, gender equality, and global justice, as well as the University’s broader commitment to promoting human rights law research,  education and doctoral training, , cross-cultural understanding, and international academic partnerships.

Members of the delegation include Mr. Xie Fuzhan, Chairman of the China Foundation for Human Rights Development and former President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Mr. Qin Liang, Deputy Secretary-General, China Foundation for Human Rights Development, Mr. Hu Zhenjia, Deputy Director, International Exchange Department, China Foundation for Human Rights Development, Mr. Wang Chaoyang, Deputy Director, Institute of Finance, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Professor Wei Ling, Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of International Relations, University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), and Dr. Zhou Li, Deputy Dean and Associate Professor, Human Rights Research Institute, Southwest University of Political Science and Law. Representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Ireland, including Dr. Joanna Liu Yan, Counsellor for Science and Technology, Ms. Guo Bin, First Secretary, and Mr. Gao Lingfeng, Third Secretary.

University of Galway participants included Professor Siobhán Mullally, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, Professor Shane Darcy, Deputy Director Irish Centre for Human Rights, Dr. Mais Qandeel Assistant Professor/Lecturer in International Law, Dr. Edel Hughes, Lecturer at the Irish Centre for Human Rights, and Mr. Alex Metcalfe, Interim Vice-President International.