Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · 13d

Great to see former @sci-belfast.bsky.social intern Allison Tate being included among this prestigious group of young leaders.

The Obama Foundation @obamafoundation.bsky.social · 16d

🚀 Meet the 4th class of Obama-Chesky Voyagers! 100 young leaders tackling big issues. Launched by @barackobama.bsky.social, Mrs. Obama, and Airbnb Co-Founder and CEO Brian Chesky, this scholarship fuels the next generation of public service leaders. 🌍 www.obama.org/programs/voy...

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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · Jul 29

Powerful speech from Mary Robinson on the “unconscionable” situation in Gaza. youtu.be/DIvzIEP-OUg

Former Irish President Delivers Keynote Address at UN Conference on Israel-Palestine | AQ1G

YouTube video by DRM News

youtu.be

Reposted by Martin O’Brien

Donncha O’Connell @donnchalaw.bsky.social · Jul 16

Irish lawyer, Michael Farrell, quits Council of Europe rights body over silence on Gaza | Irish Legal News

www.irishlegal.com/articles/iri...

Irish lawyer quits European rights body over silence on Gaza

Ireland's long-standing representative on a Council of Europe human rights body has resigned over its failure to speak out on Gaza. Human rights lawyer Michael Farrell has been a member of the Europea...

www.irishlegal.com

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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · Jul 15

Important job opportunity here to lead one of Ireland’s most effective change making organisations. Well worth a look.

Trócaire @trocaire.bsky.social · Jul 15

CEO Recruitment: Trócaire are inviting applications for the position of Chief Executive Officer.

The CEO of Trócaire leads the organisation, ensuring excellence in all aspects of the organisation’s work.

For further information, and to apply, please visit: apply.workable.com/trocaire/j/7...

Text on a black background reads:

CEO Recruitment
Trocaire are inviting applications for the position of Chief Executive Officer

The CEO of Trócaire leads the organisation, ensuring excellence in all aspects of work:
Development & implementation of organisational strategy
Governance, finance & funding
Risk management
Stakeholder engagement & organisational culture.

Apply Now
Deadline for Applications: 11 August

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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · Jun 18

Hanny was in Belfast for an SCI Board meeting, and we’re delighted he made time to share his insights and expertise on the current situation in Syria with some of our local network of changemakers.

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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · Jun 18

This morning, we welcomed guests for a briefing on the situation in Syria with Hanny Megally, member of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria and SCI Board member.

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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · Jun 18

Important piece here. Worth a read.

Donncha O’Connell @donnchalaw.bsky.social · Jun 18

Today, as the process for appointing a new Garda Commissioner is under way, I have an opinion piece in The Irish Times about the controversy-crisis cycle in policing, ‘copaganda’ and the need for vigilance on policing culture…

www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...

Donncha O'Connell: As the Evan Fitzgerald case shows, gardaí cannot operate on a ‘trust us’ basis

Next Garda commissioner will start with unenviable list of controversies and must ensure these do not turn into crises

www.irishtimes.com

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Donncha O’Connell @donnchalaw.bsky.social · May 24

Council of Europe rejects political pressure from nine states on European Court of Human Rights

www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...

Council of Europe rejects political pressure on ECHR in Meloni reply

Council of Europe Secretary Alain Berset defends the independence of the European Court of Human Rights, emphasizing the importance of preserving its impartiality amid ongoing debates on migration. #E...

www.euronews.com

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Donncha O’Connell @donnchalaw.bsky.social · May 25

Might be worth noting that this recommendation to place an exceptional non-jury court on a permanent footing was made by four members of a six-member review group with two members dissenting. Minority report available here: oasareview.ie/wp-content/upl…

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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · May 23

Powerful letter. Long past time for the government to act.

Donncha O’Connell @donnchalaw.bsky.social · May 23

More than 350 lawyers and legal academics say Irish Government not complying with international law obligations over Palestine crisis – The Irish Times

www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...

More than 350 lawyers and academics say Government not complying with international law obligations over Palestine crisis

Ireland obliged to take steps to prevent EU rendering assistance to Israel’s ‘unlawful acts’

www.irishtimes.com

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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · May 15

Delighted to see this really important work by Dermot Devlin @mywayaccess.bsky.social supported by @BrianPelan from @VIEWdigital. Hope it leads to some much needed change.

Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · May 14

Congratulations to Dermot Devlin @mywayaccess.bsky.social on the launch of his report on the severe lack of wheelchair-accessible taxis in Northern Ireland. 👏

Read the full report👉 viewdigital.org/report-into-...

Image shows Minister Liz Kimmins, Dermot Devlin and Brian Pelan.

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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · Apr 9

Great news. So well deserved.

Shauna Corr @shaunacorr.bsky.social · Apr 9

I am absolutely delighted to be one of the UCD Earth Institute’s in-house journalists this year, with great company too.
Really looking forward to getting stuck in to see what we can achieve together ☺️
www.ucd.ie/earth/news-o...

08 April Journalists announcement

www.ucd.ie

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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · Apr 2

Communities in Northern Ireland are becoming more diverse, with residents bringing new cultures and lived experiences that go beyond the traditional. At SCI, we see this as an exciting opportunity to build new, inclusive forms of activism. (1/3)

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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · Mar 29

Important new report. Well worth a read.

Conor J. Kelly @conorjkelly.bsky.social · Mar 28

1) NEW REPORT 🚨

'Reform of Stormont: Options for Discussion' was published by the @conunitucl.bsky.social today! Co-authored by @alanrenwick.bsky.social, @alanwhysall.bsky.social, and myself.

It is free to read here: www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution...

Reform of Stormont

A project exploring possible reforms to Northern Ireland's governing institutions, as an aid to further discussion.

www.ucl.ac.uk

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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · Mar 16

Stunning sky tonight in #MalinHead. Tory Island in the distance.

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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · Mar 8

Somebody’s enjoying a stunning day in #Donegal

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Professor Ursula Kilkelly @ursulak.bsky.social · Feb 22

Great interview from Liam Herrick Chief Commissioner of @ihrec.bsky.social on Ireland's legal obligations to asylum seekers.
www.rte.ie/radio/radio1...

IHREC on how the state is treating migrants

Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Justice; Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon–Galway; Peadar Tóibín, Aontú leader; Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Right...

www.rte.ie

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Reposted by Martin O’Brien

Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · Feb 17

In December 2024, @deepaiyer.bsky.social and @bulldogshadow.bsky.social explored the impact of the US election on democracy and human rights worldwide in an online conversation hosted by SCI.

This takeaway is just one of many. Read more 👉 www.socialchangeinitiative.com/cultivating-...

$“Authoritarianism is not limited to the US but part of a global trend. Lessons from other countries can provide valuable insights for the US context.” Cultivating solidarity and hope in a fractured world A conversation following the US election$

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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · Feb 21

Our Participatory Journalism Fellowship supports independent storytellers who are highlighting underrepresented voices and shedding light on overlooked issues. They explore a range of social, economic, and political topics, offering diverse perspectives on key challenges.

Image shows pictures of all Participatory Journalism Fellows.
TOP from left to right: Brian Pelan, Elton Sibanda, Clodagh Traynor, Harry Bateman.
BOTTOM from left to right: Tommy Greene, Martin Ward, Colm Teague, Claire Dickson.

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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · Feb 21

Today, we’re hosting our Participatory Journalism fellows for a day of sharing, learning, and collaboration. They will be able to present their work, exchange ideas, and support each other in shaping their stories.

SCI's team sitting with the Participatory Journalism fellows sitting around a large, white conference table in a professional meeting room. Some are taking notes, while others are listening attentively. A SCI banner is visible in the background, along with a large window allowing natural light into the room. Laptops, documents, and coffee cups are scattered across the table.

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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · Feb 21

To learn more about our journalism fellows and their projects, visit 👉 socialchangeinitiative.com/team.

@brianone.bsky.social @shaunacorr.bsky.social @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social

Our Team | Social Change Initiative

socialchangeinitiative.com

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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · Jan 30

Delighted to be supporting this important Community Foundation NI conference on Building Solidarity & Tackling Racism with NICVA & Africa House.

Photo by NICVA - Dr. Nazia Latif speaking from a podium at the conference.

Image shows the event invitation.

'You are invited to Building Solidarity: Understanding the Political and Societal Context of Racist Violence in Northern Ireland'

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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · Jan 30

Improved legislation & measures to tackle racism are needed & important but we must also focus on moving beyond “emotional solidarity” to deliver more “practical & strategic solidarity” with people of colour - says Dr Nazia Latif @CFNIreland Building Solidarity conference

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Social Change Initiative @sci-belfast.bsky.social · Jan 28

We are hiring an Administrator & Events Coordinator.

For full job details, visit 👉http://socialchangeinitiative.com/vacancies

Join Our Team
We are hiring an Administrator & Events Coordinator.

For full job details, visit:
socialchangeinitiative.com/vacancies

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Martin O’Brien @mobrienbelfast.bsky.social · Jan 27

Take a look at this new useful report from @pivotalppf.bsky.social on the work of the Northern Ireland Government. Great assessment of the progress made since restoration & the areas where action is still very much needed.

Pivotal @pivotalpolicy.bsky.social · Jan 27

🚨New Pivotal report published today

Our new tracker report looks at the Northern Ireland Executive’s actions since its return a year ago, and suggests priorities for 2025

Read the report here pivotalppf.org/cmsfiles/Pub...

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