Niloufar Omidi

Background

About Niloufar Omidi

Experienced in-Leading teams to advance equality policies-Policy development through a socio-legal lens -Advocating for human rights and contributing to meaningful policy changes at national and international levels-Delivering lectures on human rights law and equality law, and supervising postgraduate students-Authoring influential policy documents and reports widely utilised in academic and governmental settings-Coordinating events and fostering collaboration among key stakeholdersCurrent Roles:I serve as the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy and Project Development Officer at the University of Limerick (UL). In this capacity, I authored the UL Dignity & Respect Policy, reflected in the UL Dignity & Respect E-Learning for staff, and am the principal author of the UL Race Equality Action Plan (2024–2027). I also chair the Ethnic Diversity Forum (EDF), a sub-committee of the UL Human Rights–EDI Steering Committee reporting to the UL Executive Committee.At the national level, I am a ministerial appointee to the Advisory Committee monitoring the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism (NAPAR), alongside the Special Rapporteur for Race Equality in Ireland. I also lecture and train on “Race and Intersectional Equality Law” and “Equality Law in Practice” for HR professionals and staff across higher education and industry, promoting EDI understanding in professional settings.Academic Background & Research:I hold a Ph.D. in International Human Rights Law from the University of Galway an LL.M. in International Law. My research focuses on the “right to peace” as a foundation for equitable, peaceful, and inclusive societies. My postdoctoral project at the University of Galway contributed to the Respect Project and the Gender Pay Gap Project under the Office of the Vice President for EDI. I have also lectured in Human Rights Law and supervised postgraduate dissertations at the University of Galway.Consultancy & Advocacy:As a legal consultant with the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) Network, I contributed to research on child protection, civic space, xenophobia, and anti-Muslim hatred in Ireland. I have collaborated with key civil society organisations and the Irish Government on issues affecting resettled Syrian refugees, disabled people, the Deaf community, the Irish Traveller community, International Protection Applicants, and racialised groups in Ireland. My research also examines minority rights in Iran.