Lelio Bentes Correa, Brazil

LLM International Human Rights Law

University of Essex

"The Chevening Scholarship scheme has been crucial in opening doors"

Since I graduated in the LLM in International Human Rights Law, at the University of Essex, in 2001, my career has developed quite fast. I spent one year in Geneva (2002), working at the International Labour Organization - ILO Headquarters, in the International Programme for the Eradication of Child Labour. That has been a unique experience, that allowed me to put in perspective the situation of my own country in the international scene, as well as to have a clearer view of the role I could play in order to improve the conditions of life of Brazilian children and adolescents.

One year later, I came back to Brazil and after a tough selection process I've been honoured with the appointment by President Lula to a place at the highest Labour Court of the country. Since then, I've been performing my duties as Judge, dealing with a variety of cases, ranging from individual disputes on unpaid salaries to the protection of collective rights, including freedom of association and right to bargain.

In 2006 I was appointed by the Governing Body of the ILO to join the Committee of Experts in the Application of Conventions and Recommendations - one of the core bodies in the ILO's supervisory machinery, comprised of 20 independent experts recruited from different regions of the world.  I have also committed some time to lecture to lawyers, judges and prosecutors on International Labour Standards and Human Rights.The Chevening Scholarship scheme has been crucial in opening these doors. Without such support I wouldn't be able to afford the tuition fees or sustain myself. Living abroad was a great experience for me, as I made good friends and developed strong bonds with the UK.

I have also had the opportunity to get involved in several projects of cooperation in the Human Rights area. More recently, the British Council and the Labour Court of Brazil are developing together a project aiming at the exchange of experiences in the area of Labour Rights and Human Rights. Annual lectures will be held both in the UK and in Brazil, in homage to a great fellow Brazilian, who gave his life for the promotion of Human Rights and peace: Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello.