Dr. Mª Carmen Quesada Alcalá
Carmen Quesada Alcalá is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in Public International Law, Human Rights, and International Relations. Born into a family committed to justice and fundamental rights, her interest in these issues was sparked at an early age.
Quesada Alcalá graduated with honors in Law from the prestigious National University of Distance Education (UNED). Her passion for study and research led her to obtain her doctorate in International Law with an innovative thesis titled "The International Criminal Court and State Sovereignty," which earned her the recognition of the Extraordinary Doctorate Award 2003/2004 from UNED.
Since the beginning of her academic career, Quesada Alcalá has held various teaching and research roles in renowned institutions. She has been a tenured professor of Public International Law and International Relations at the Faculty of Law of UNED, where she has made an indelible mark on generations of students. Additionally, she has been part of the faculty at the Center for International Humanitarian Law Studies of the Spanish Red Cross since 2002, standing out for her commitment to education and the promotion of human rights.
Her extensive teaching experience extends beyond university classrooms. She has collaborated with security and justice institutions, providing training at the Officers' Academy of the Civil Guard, the National Police Training and Improvement Division, and the General Secretariat of Penitentiary Institutions. In these contexts, she has addressed critical issues such as human rights, immigration, and international police cooperation.
Quesada Alcalá has also made a significant impact in the research field. Her research interests focus on the international protection of human rights, international criminal tribunals, and hate crimes. She is recognized for her involvement in doctoral programs, notably serving as the coordinator of the Doctoral Program in International Security at the General Gutiérrez Mellado University Institute.
In addition to her academic work, Quesada Alcalá has held relevant professional roles at national and international levels. She has collaborated with organizations such as the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva and the Spanish delegation to various international bodies. Her participation in defining the crime of aggression in the Statute of the International Criminal Court and her contribution as Coordinator of the Expert Group consulted by the UN Working Group on Mercenaries are examples of her commitment to global justice.
From January 2013 to 2017, Quesada Alcalá served as a substitute member of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance of the Council of Europe, where she actively contributed to the fight against discrimination and the promotion of diversity.
In summary, Carmen Quesada Alcalá is a prominent figure in academia, research, and professional fields, whose commitment to justice and human rights has left an indelible mark on the national and international community. Her tireless work continues to inspire future generations to strive for a fairer and more equitable world.