The Justice Edit-IRLI Podcast

Our Podcast

In The Justice Edit podcast, Journalist and IRLI Communications Lead Evelyn McClafferty explores how the rule of law, human rights, and geopolitics intersect in today’s global challenges. From big tech accountability and judicial independence to climate justice and the erosion of democratic freedoms, these timely conversations offer insight for everyone.


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About the Podcast

The Justice Edit features lawyers, judges, investigators, academics, and advocates working at the edge of global justice.

Drawing on over two decades of journalistic experience reporting on justice, climate and geopolitics, The Justice Edit host Evelyn McClafferty explores themes such as the rule of law, international justice, war crimes, investigations and accountability, and human rights. Guests have included international criminal and human rights lawyer Aonghus Kelly, Amnesty Tech's Alia Al Ghussain, and Professor Ray Murphy of the Irish Centre for Human Rights.

Recent episodes have explored Ukraine's pursuit of accountability following Russia's invasion; the human rights consequences of climate breakdown and extractivism; the role of technology companies in enabling harm and misinformation; and the legal questions surrounding conflicts, including in Gaza. The podcast also examines how international courts function — and where the global justice system is under strain.

At its core, The Justice Edit connects complex international issues to the everyday realities that affect us all.

A new episode is released monthly.

The podcast is funded by Irish Aid.


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Mary McAleese on the Rule of Law


December 19, 2025 | posted by | 5sc

Former President of Ireland academic lawyer Dr Mary McAleeseFormer President of Ireland and academic lawyer Dr Mary McAleese delivers a powerful and wide-ranging address on democracy, human dignity, planetary health, and the rule of law.


El Salvador’s policy of mass incarceration


September 13, 2025 | posted by | 5sc

Juanita Goebertus Estrada from Human Rights Watch on Podcast Horsehair Wigs Podcast

The Americas director of Human Rights Watch, Juanita Goebertus Estrada sits down with us this month to talk about El Salvador’s policy of mass incarceration.



Justice, in unruly times


June 02, 2025 | posted by | 5sc

Aonghus Kelly Horsehair Wigs Podcast IRLI

International criminal and human rights lawyer, Aonghus Kelly is our guest on the podcast this month.


What is the rule of law?


May 09, 2025 | posted by | 5sc

Maria McCloskey Executive Director IRLI on the Podcast Horsehair Wigs

What does the rule of law mean? That’s the question on our podcast this month, with our guest Maria McCloskey, Irish Rule of Law International’s (IRLI) Executive Director.


Why we need to rein in Big Tech


April 04, 2025 | posted by | 5sc

Alia Al Ghussain Podcast Horsehair Wigs Irish Rule of Law International

Alia Al Ghussain, a researcher and advisor with Amnesty Tech, talks about the huge need to centre human rights in the technology sector.


Impunity for Israeli leadership despite ICC arrest warrants?


March 07, 2025 | posted by | 5sc

Dr. John Reynolds Maynooth University

Dr. John Reynolds of Maynooth University discusses the reaction of states to the  International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country’s former defence minister Yoav Gallant over suspected war crimes in Gaza.


ICJ climate justice opinion should look beyond the Paris Agreement


January 31, 2025 | posted by | 5sc

Nikki Reisch Director Center International Environmental Law

The Director of CIEL’s Climate & Energy Program, Nikki Reisch is our guest this month.


A heartfelt tribute to James Douglas


December 30, 2024 | posted by | 5sc

Tribute to James Douglas Horsehair Wigs IRLI podcast

Human rights lawyer Pat de Brún reflects on the life and work of James Douglas.


New Era for ICC reparative justice


November 29, 2024 | posted by | 5sc

Podcast Horsehair Wigs Deborah Ruiz Verduzco

Our guest this month is the Executive Director of the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC), Deborah Ruiz Verduzco.