Martin Jones

Professor Martin Jones (University of York) specializes in International Human Rights Law with focus on refugee protection, human rights defenders, and decolonial approaches. Holds BA, BA (Hons.) from Queen’s Canada, LLB from UBC. Previously held academic positions at University of Melbourne, American University in Cairo, University of Michigan, Georgetown, University of East London, York/Centre for Refugee Studies, and Queen’s Canada. Visiting roles at Università di Pavia, University of Hong Kong, and Universitas Islam Negeri Jakarta.

• Programme Lead, LLB in International Human Rights Law
• Deputy Director of Research (Funding)
• Co-founder, Egyptian Foundation for Refugee Rights
• Consultant to UNHCR, OHCHR, and UN Special Rapporteur

Research spans refugee law innovation in frontier jurisdictions, wellbeing of human rights defenders, decolonial human rights frameworks, and legal empowerment initiatives. Current projects include Ford Foundation-funded research on defenders with disabilities and UK-Rwanda border externalization analysis.

Recent publications focus on refugee protection in Southeast Asia, asylum law expansion in Middle East/Asia, and digital justice solutions during pandemics. Co-authored Barcelona Guidelines for defender relocation care standards.

Teaching integrates real-world advocacy through York’s LLB IHRL program and CPD for UNHCR, Law Society of Hong Kong, and APRRN. Leads international collaborations with institutions in Canada, Italy, Indonesia, and Egypt.