Dr Emo Pearce

Prior to joining Canterbury Christ Church University in 2019, I served as an Assistant Chief Legal Officer at the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria, where I was responsible for conducting comprehensive research and developing programs aimed at fostering social change and promoting human rights. My work focused on initiatives related to counter-radicalisation, conflict resolution, and the prevention of human rights abuses. I was also actively involved in investigating alleged cases of human rights violations across Nigeria, preparing detailed reports and providing evidence-based recommendations to inform policy and guide the Federal Government in implementing appropriate corrective measures. Through this role, I contributed to both strategic policy development and the advancement of human rights protections at a national level.

• I hold an LLB (University of Jos, Nigeria)
• BL (Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria)
• LLM (University of Jos, Nigeria)
• MSc (International Business, University of Hertfordshire)
• PhD in Law (Canterbury Christ Church University). 

I currently  module lead  Tort Law, Corporate and Business Law, and Law & Obligations in Context, overseeing all aspects of module delivery, assessment, and student engagement. In addition, I am an integral member of the teaching team for Contract Law and Social Justice in the English Legal System, contributing to curriculum planning, co-teaching, and collaborative assessment design. I also actively participate in foundation year teaching, supporting students at the early stages of their legal education.

My responsibilities include designing, developing, and reviewing teaching activities and materials to ensure they meet rigorous academic standards and align with current legal developments. I strive to deliver high-quality teaching that promotes critical thinking, legal reasoning, and practical application of the law. This includes creating engaging lectures, seminars, and formative assessments, providing timely and constructive feedback, and employing innovative pedagogical approaches to enhance student learning and progression.

Through these roles, I contribute not only to academic excellence, but also to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment that encourages students to achieve their full potential and engage meaningfully with the study of law.

My research interests are centred on International Human Rights Law, with a particular focus on the protection and advancement of socio-economic rights and the rights of minority groups, especially refugees. I am interested in exploring how international human rights frameworks can be applied to address inequality, marginalisation, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Beyond international human rights law, I have a strong interest in the intersection between environmental law and human rights, examining how environmental protection, climate justice, and sustainable development impact fundamental rights and social equity. This includes exploring legal mechanisms for holding states and organisations accountable for environmental harm and its effects on marginalized communities.

Summary of research interests:

• International Human Rights Law – with emphasis on socio-economic rights and refugee protection
• Approaches to Global Justice – including frameworks for equity, fairness, and accountability at the international level
• Environmental Law and Human Rights – exploring the nexus between environmental protection and the safeguarding of human rights

Research Supervisor

• A critical analysis of online dispute resolution of E-commerce disputes in the Nigeria: The current legal challenges and recommendations for better practice. Researcher(s): Mrs Chiamaka Igwe. Supervisor(s): Dr Emo Pearce, Dr Sarah Lieberman. [Postgraduate Research Project]
• Restructuring Nigeria: Analysing the Nexus Between Oil Revenue and the Pursuit of ""True Federalism"". Researcher(s): Mr Ileowo Kikiowo. Supervisor(s): Dr Dele Babalola, Dr Emo Pearce, Dr Laura Cashman. [Postgraduate Research Project]
• Revisiting The Fair and Equitable Treatment Provisions in Pakistani IIAs. Researcher(s): Miss Zahra Fatima. Supervisor(s): Dr Emo Pearce, Dr Sarah Lieberman. [Postgraduate Research Project]"

Conferences:

• Society of legal scholars (University of Leeds)- Addressing human rights in the context of illegal immigration in the United Kingdom-An urgent need for action (5th of September 2025)
• Refugee Law Initiative(University of London)- The Realisation of Socio-economic Rights of Asylum Seekers in the United Kingdom (2nd of June 2025)
• Canadian Association of African Studies (CAAS) Sustainability Education as a requisite tool towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs in Nigeria : McGill University, Canada (2024)
• Derby Law School Conference on Global Governance & International Law- Emerging Trends in the protection of the Socio-economic rights in Nigeria: (2022)
• Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent - Normative developments in international law: (2019)
• Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent- International Law in Context: (2018)

Publications:

• Emo Idornigie-Pearce, “The obsolete justiciability debate on Economic Social and Cultural rights in Nigeria” African Journal of International and Comparative Law 34.1 (2026): 142–165.
• Emo Idornigie-Pearce, Refugee Protection under International Law in Olayinka Lewis in The Theory and Practice of UK Immigration Law (Routledge 2025) (Routledge)(accepted)- projected publication date 2026.
• Emo Pearce & Chisa Onyejekwe, Taxation and the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria in Ekhator, E., Miller, S., & Igbinosam, E Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria Barriers, Prospects and Strategies (Routledge 202
• Emo Pearce. Right to Health: Post Covid African International Economics Law Network (2020)

Research Seminars

• Research project- CCCU Law Conference- Protections in International Law Conference (Co- organiser) - 19 March 2025.
• Refugee protection under international law- Dr Iris Bousiakou and Dr Emo Pearce- 9th of April 2025
• Critical Issues in Refugee and Asylum Law- Dr Emo Pearce -13th March 2024
• Professor Susan Millns, Dr Narissa Ramsundar and Dr Emo Pearce- The right to seek asylum under international law-13th of December 2023