Ambassador Piquant Credits STU for Preparing Him for the Important Role
Jean Jude Piquant, a former student of St. Thomas University’s College of Law’s LL.M. Program in Intercultural Human Rights, was recently welcomed in audience by His Holiness Pope Francis as the new Haitian Ambassador to the Holy See.
His Holiness presented Mr. Piquant with the important texts of his pontificate and expressed his affection towards Haiti. “I carry your country in my heart! I pray for your country,” Pope Francis said. After the audience, Pope Francis invited Jude Piquant to a private meeting to discuss various matters including issues currently affecting Haiti.
His Holiness Pope Francis accepts credentials from Jean Jude Piquant, former St. Thomas University College of Law Intercultural Human Rights LL.M student as he is appointed the new ambassador of Haiti for the Holy See.
Mr. Piquant was a student in St. Thomas University’s International Law and Intercultural Human Rights program from August 2014 to May 2015.
“I needed to attend an institution which aligned with my morals, values, and above all, faith,” Ambassador Piquant stated. “At St. Thomas University, I was confident I would acquire an education where academia, philosophy, and integrated catholic guidance would aid me to influence others beyond the walls of the classroom.”
St. Thomas University College of Law’s Master of Laws in Intercultural Human Rights (LL.M.) program is designed to offer in-depth instruction on one of the critical issues of our time: the protection of human dignity across political, social, economic, and cultural lines. Lawyers, government officials, teachers, human rights activists, and businesspeople with a commitment to human rights and social justice are part of a trend of students pursuing an advanced degree in one of the most dynamic fields of international law: intercultural human rights.
The excellence of instruction emanating from world-renowned faculty from the United Nations and eminent centers of scholarship creates a highly stimulating learning environment, and promises a challenging academic experience.
Flags representing the myriad of countries students hail from to attend St. Thomas University College of Law’s Master of Laws in Intercultural Human Rights (LL.M.) program.
“Throughout my studies at the University’s College of Law, the environment consisted of students and faculty who were eager to improve the well-being and common good of people around the world,” Ambassador Piquant stated. “I was influenced by extraordinary professors, such as Dr. Roza Pati, and Dr. Siegfried Wiessner, who were committed to making a profound change for people in our communities and society.”
As part of the LL.M. program, students develop the ability to evaluate the major theories, practices, and fundamental concepts in international human rights law and policy, as well as to conduct effective research and advocacy in the field in a practical and interactive way.
To date, the LL.M. Program in Intercultural Human Rights has graduated over 400 students hailing from across the United States and 85 countries. They are our ambassadors in the struggle for protection of human dignity, working with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations Volunteers, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Council of Europe, the African Union, the International Organization for Migration, the World Bank, OXFAM, the Open Society Forum, the Parliamentarians for Global Action, the Red Cross, and others; successfully litigating cases in courts; working for governments and in academia; or running their own NGOs.
“As the newly appointed Ambassador of Haiti for the Holy See, I’m thrilled and excited to be an extension of the values and mission St. Thomas University stands for. I hope to convey and portray that in my work by listening, collaborating, and influencing members of our nation to achieve a collaborative perspective to ensure a greater and better tomorrow,” added Ambassador Piquant.
