Dr. Mary Shariff has been named Director of the Master of Human Rights program.
Dr. Mary Shariff named Director of Master of Human Rights program
The Office of the Dean of Law, University of Manitoba has announced the appointment of Dr. Mary J. Shariff as the Director of the Master of Human Rights (MHR) program effective July 1, 2024, for a five-year term.
“Dr. Shariff brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished record of academic and professional accomplishments to this role. Her extensive expertise, leadership and vision will enhance its academic excellence and foster a dynamic learning environment,” said Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law. “Her work ethic, deep compassion for the rights of all living beings, and curiosity for researching different areas of human rights-related laws make her a matchless force to drive this program forward for its next exciting chapter.”
“I am absolutely delighted and honoured to take on the role of Director of the MHR Program,” said Shariff. “As Director, my goal is to build on the strengths of the program and our University community to provide students with educational opportunities and experiences that will inspire and support their creativity and enthusiasm for human rights and social justice.
“My aspiration is that our MHR students and graduates will take their passion, knowledge and skills to serve and make our communities places for all to thrive. By continuing outreach and building relationships with community partners and stakeholders (e.g. the Canadian Museum for Human Rights) and other University of Manitoba centres and programs (e.g. the Centre for Human Rights Research, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, Peace and Conflict Studies and the Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice), the MHR program itself will actively participate in this same vision, increasing MHR student opportunities at the same time.”
Shariff recalled the words of the late Dr. Arthur V. Mauro when he announced the endowment of the Chair in Human Rights and Social Justice, a key part of the MHR program: “This city [Winnipeg], to me, represents the best that people can do when good people come together with goodwill and seek solutions… Education and research are fundamental if we are to carry on what this city has become.”
Shariff has been a valued member of the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba since 2007, where she currently serves as a Professor and has previously held several leadership positions, including Associate Dean (Academic, JD Program) and Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies).
With a PhD and LLM from Trinity College Dublin, an LLB from the University of Manitoba, and a BSc from the University of Winnipeg, Shariff’s educational background is impressive. Her teaching areas encompass a wide range of subjects, including Contracts, Issues in Law and Bioethics, Law and Religion, Animals and the Law, Natural Resources Administration and the Law, and Graduate Legal Research and Theory.
Her research interests are equally diverse and impactful, focusing on Law and Aging, Death, Dying and Palliative Care, Human Rights of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities, Quality of Life and Rights of Residents in personal care home communities, Natural Resources and Animal Law, Legal Strategies, Legal Pedagogy, and the Law of Contract.
Shariff has authored numerous publications with notable works including chapters in Canadian Medical Law, and articles in various prestigious journals. Shariff has also received several accolades for her contributions to teaching and research in the field of law, including a 2023 SSHRC Insight Development Grant (co-applicant), the 2018 Terry G. Falconer Memorial Rh Institute Foundation Emerging Research Award, and the 2016 Students’ Teacher Recognition Award (STRR), and the 2013 University of Manitoba Merit Award, Combination Category (Teaching, Service and Research).
Her commitment to the academic community extends beyond her research and teaching. She is involved in the Canadian Association of Law Teachers, serves as a Commissioner at the Manitoba Law Reform Commission, serves as a Research Affiliate at the University of Manitoba’s Centre on Aging (also serving as Chair of its Advisory Board), and has served as a Research Associate at the Desautels Centre for Private Enterprise and the Law.