Susan M. Akram
Clinical Professor of Law
BA with honors, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
JD, Georgetown University
Diplome in International Human Rights,
Institut International des Droits de l’Homme, Strasbourg (France)
Masters of Studies, International Human Rights Law, University of Oxford
Biography
Professor Susan Akram directs BU Law’s International Human Rights Clinic, in which she supervises students engaged in international advocacy in domestic, international, regional, and UN fora. Her research and publications focus on immigration, asylum, refugee, forced migration, and human and civil rights issues, with an interest in the Middle East, the Arab, and Muslim world.
Akram’s distinguished research was recognized with a Fulbright Senior Scholar Teaching and Research Award for the 1999–2000 academic year. She has lectured on Palestinian refugees to general audiences around the world as well as to committees of the United Nations (including the High Commission for Refugees and the Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), the European Union, and representatives of European and Canadian government ministries and parliaments. Since September 11, 2001, she has presented widely on the USA Patriot Act and immigration-related laws and policies as well as on her work challenging standard interpretations of women’s asylum claims from the Arab/Muslim world.
With her clinic students as well as in collaboration with other legal organizations, Akram has worked on resettlement and refugee claims of Guantanamo detainees, and has been co-counsel on a number of high profile cases, including the 20+-year litigation of a case of first impression on the interpretation of one of the exclusion bars to asylum, In Re A-H-. She has taught at the American University in Cairo, Egypt and at Al-Quds and Birzeit Universities in Palestine. She regularly teaches in the summer institute on forced migration at the Refugee Studies Centre at Oxford University, and in various venues in the Middle East on refugee law.
- Profile Types
- Faculty, Full-Time Faculty, and Professors & Clinical Instructors
- Areas of Interest
- Immigration Law & Policy and International & Comparative Law
Publications
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Susan M. Akram, Palestinian Refugees, in Routledge Companion to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (Asaf Siniver,2022)
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Susan M. Akram & Elizabeth Ruddick, A Comparative Perspective on Safe Third and First Country of Asylum Policies in the United Kingdom and North America: Legal Norms, Principles and Lessons Learned 40 Boston University International Law Journal (2022)
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Susan M. Akram & Deena Hurwitz, Teaching Human Rights: Practice and Theory (2022)
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Susan M. Akram, Palestinian Nationality and “Jewish” Nationality: From the Lausanne Treaty to Today, in Rethinking Statehood in Palestine: Self-Determination and Decolonization Beyond Partition (Leila H. Farsakh,2021)
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Susan M. Akram, UNRWA and Palestine Refugees, in The Oxford Handbook of International Refugee Law (Cathryn Costello, Michelle Foster, and Jane McAdam,2021)
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Susan M. Akram, Extrapolating Lessons from a Master Mentor: What Bob Burdick Taught Me 101 Boston University Law Review (2021)
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Susan M. Akram & Kevin Johnson, Race, Civil Rights, and Immigration Law after September 11, 2001: The Targeting of Arabs and Muslims, in Islamophobia and the Law (Cyra Akila Choudhury and Khaled A. Beydoun,2020)
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Susan M. Akram, The Past as Present, Unlearned Lessons and the (Non-) Utility of International Law 44 North Carolina Journal of International Law (2019)
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Susan M. Akram, Assessing the Impact of the Global Compacts on Refugees and Migration in the Middle East 30 International Journal of Refugee Law (2018)
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Susan M. Akram, The Search for Protection for Stateless Refugees in the Middle East: Palestinians and Kurds in Lebanon and Jordan 30 International Journal of Refugee Law (2018)
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Amicus Curaie, Submitted Susan Akram
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Susan M. Akram, Sarah Bidinger, Aaron Lang, Danielle Hites, Yoana Kuzmova & Elena Noureddine, Protecting Syrian Refugees: Laws, Policies, and Global Responsibility Sharing 7 Middle East Law and Governance (2015)
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Susan M. Akram, Karen AbuZayd, Denis Sullivan & Sara Roy, The Syrian Humanitarian Crisis: What Is to Be Done?, Middle East Policy Council's 80th Capitol Hill Conference (2015)
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Susan M. Akram, Closing Protection Gaps: Handbook on Protection of Palestinian Refugees in States Signatories to the 1951 Convention (2015)
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Susan M. Akram & Terry Rempel, Out of Place, Out of Time: Refugees, Rights and the (Re)Making of Palestine/Israel (2015)
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Susan M. Akram, Operation Protective Edge and Why Getting the Law Right Matters, Fall Abandoned Yet Central: Gaza and the Resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (2014)
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Susan M. Akram & Tom Syring, Still Waiting for Tomorrow: The Law and Politics of Unresolved Refugee Crises (2014)
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Susan M. Akram, Millennium Development Goals and the Protection of Displaced and Refugee Women and Girls 2 Laws (2013)
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Susan M. Akram, The Legal Trajectory of the Palestinian Refugee Issue: From Exclusion to Ambiguity, in Palestine and the Palestinians in the Twenty First Century (Rochelle Davis & Mimi Kirk,2013)
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Susan M. Akram & S. Michael Lynk, The Arab-Israeli Conflict and International Law No. 13-11 Boston University School of Law, Public Law Research Paper (2013)
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Susan M. Akram, The Rights of Palestinian Refugees and Territorial Solutions in Historic Palestine, in The Failure of the Two-State Solution: Prospects of One State in the Israel-Palestine Conflict (Hani A. Faris,2013)
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Susan M. Akram, Aftermath: following the bloodshed of America's wars in the Muslim world 53 Race & Class (2011)
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Susan M. Akram, Michael Dumper, Michael Lynk & Iain Scobbie, International Law and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: a Rights-Based Approach to Middle East Peace (2011)
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Susan M. Akram, Do Constitutions Make a Difference in the Protection of Fundamental Human Rights? Comparing the United States and Israel, in The Dynamics of Constitutionalism in the Age of Globalisation (Morly Frishman & Sam Muller,2010)
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Susan M. Akram, Refugees and the Right of Return, in Encyclopedia of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (Cheryl Rubenberg,2010)
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Susan M. Akram & Kevin R. Johnson, Chapter 5: The Demonization of Persons of Arab and Muslim Ancestry in Perspective, in International Migration and Human Rights : The Global Repercussions of U. S. Policy (Samuel Martinez,2009)
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Susan M. Akram, Myths and Realities of the Palestinian Refugee Problem: Reframing the Right of Return 8 MIT Electronic Journal of Middle East Studies (2008)
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Susan M. Akram, The Arab Charter on Human Rights 2004 24 Boston University International Law Journal (2007)
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Susan M. Akram, The Case for Palestine: An International Law Perspective 26 Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East (2006) (book review)
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Susan M. Akram, Are They Human Children or Just Border Rats? 15 Boston University Public Interest Law Journal (2006)
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Susan M. Akram & S. Michael Lynk, The Wall and the Law: A Tale of Two Judgements 24 Netherlands Quarterly of Human Rights (2006)
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Susan M. Akram & Maritza Karmely, Immigration and Constitutional Consequences of Post-9/11 Policies Involving Arabs and Muslims in the United States: Is Alienage a Distinction without a Difference? 38 U.C. Davis Law Review (2005)
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Susan M. Akram, A Reading of the International Court of Justice Opinion on the Legality of Israel's Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territories The Palestine Center: A Briefing Paper (2004)
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Susan M. Akram & Kevin Johnson, Race and Civil Rights Pre-September 11, 2001: The Targeting of Arabs and Muslims, in Civil Rights in Peril The Targeting of Arabs and Muslims (2004)
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Susan M. Akram & Terry Rempel, Temporary Protection as an Instrument for Implementing the Right of Return for Palestinian Refugees 22 Boston University International Law Journal (2004)
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Susan M. Akram & Kevin Johnson, U.S. Measures Against Terrorism: The Civil Rights Impacts, in Anti-Terrorist Measures and Human Rights (Wolfgang Benedek & Alice Yotopoulos-Marangopoulos,2004)
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Susan M. Akram, The Aftermath of September 11, 2001: The Targeting of Arabs and Muslims in America 24 Arab Studies Quarterly (2002)
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Susan M. Akram, Orientalism Revisited in Asylum and Refugee Claims, in Moral Imperialism: A Critical Anthology (Berta Esperanza Hernández-Truyol,2002)
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Susan M. Akram, Palestinian Refugees and Their Legal Status: Rights, Politics, and Implications for a Just Solution 31 Journal of Palestine Studies (2002)
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Susan M. Akram, Reinterpreting Palestinian Refugee Rights under International Law, in Palestinian Refugees: the Right of Return (2001)
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Susan M. Akram, Palestinian Refugee Rights: Parts 1, 2 and 3 Information Briefs (2000)
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Susan M. Akram, Temporary Protection and its Applicability to the Palestinian Refugee Case BADIL (2000)
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Susan M. Akram, The Right of Return: Palestinian Refugees and Prospects for a Durable Peace Conference Briefing Paper (2000)
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Susan M. Akram, Historic Court Decision Protects First Amendment Rights of Dissident Aliens BADIL (2000)
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Susan M. Akram, Fora Available for Palestinian Refugee Restitution, Compensation and Related Claims BADIL (2000)
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Susan M. Akram, Reinterpreting Palestinian Refugee Rights Under International Law, and a Framework for Durable Solutions BADIL (2000)
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Susan M. Akram, Orientalism Revisited in Asylum and Refugee Claims 12 International Journal of Refugee Law (2000)
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Susan M. Akram & Terry Rempel, Recommendations for Durable Solutions for Palestinian Refugees: A Challenge to the Oslo Framework 11 The Palestine Yearbook of International Law (2000)
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Guy Goodwin-Gill & Susan M. Akram, Forward to Amicus Brief on the Status of Palestinian Refugees Under International Refugee Law 11 Palestine Yearbook of International Law (2000)
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Susan M. Akram, Scheherezade Meets Kafka: Two Dozen Sordid Tales of Ideological Exclusion 14 Georgetown Immigration Law Journal (1999)
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Susan M. Akram, The World Refugee Regime in Crisis: A Failure to Fulfill The Burden-Sharing And Humanitarian Requirements of the 1951 Refugee Convention 93 American Society of International Law Proceedings (1999)
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Susan M. Akram, Traps for the Unwary or Major Issues on Judicial Review of Deportation Decisions Under the Immigration & Nationality Act Section 106 1995-96 Immigration and Nationality Law Handbook (1996)
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Susan M. Akram, Traps for the Unwary, or Major Issues on Judicial Review of Deportation Decisions under INA Section 106, in The Immigration & Nationality Law Handbook (1995)
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Susan M. Akram & Physicians for Human Rights, Medical Testimony on Victims of Torture: A Physician's Guide to Political Asylum Cases (1991)
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Susan M. Akram, Historic Court Decision Protects First Amendment Rights of Dissident Aliens 18 Immigration Newsletter (1989)
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In the Media
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Miami Herald February 5, 2025
Can US Citizens Be Deported? El Salvador Offers to Take American Criminals, Rubio Says
Susan Akram is quoted.
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Anadolu Ajansi January 6, 2025
As States Take the Lead, Is the Curtain Falling on UN’s Role as Global Mediator?
Susan Akram is quoted.
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Press TV November 30, 2024
Oxford Union Declares Israel ‘Apartheid’ Regime Committing ‘Genocide’
Susan Akram is quoted.
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Press TV November 23, 2024
Legal Scholar Says ICC Trial of Netanyahu and Gallant Would Be Huge Step for International Justice
Susan Akram is interviewed.
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Press TV
ICC Trial of Netanyahu, Gallant Would Be ‘Huge Step’ for Intl. Justice: Legal Scholar
Susan Akram is quoted.
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L’Orient-Le Jour November 19, 2024
Israel and the UN, at the Origin of the Divorce
Susan Akram is quoted.
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The New Arab October 28, 2024
What’s Behind Israel’s Long-Running Campaign to Dismantle UNRWA?
Susan Akram is quoted.
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The Intercept October 23, 2024
EU ‘Bending’ Rules to Allow Trade With Israeli Settlements, Leaked Analysis Shows
Susan Akram is quoted.
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BU Today October 7, 2024
One Year Later: How Has October 7 Changed the World?
Susan Akram pens an opinion.
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The Cradle June 21, 2024
Israeli War Criminals: Can the ICC Lock Them Up?
Susan Akram is featured.
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UN Watch June 11, 2024
Exposed: Francesca Albanese’s Global Influence Network Targeting Israel
Susan Akram is quoted.
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BU Today June 5, 2024
Is Israel Committing Genocide in Gaza? New Report from BU School of Law’s International Human Rights Clinic Lays Out Case
Susan Akram is quoted.
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IPA Newspack May 23, 2024
Israel Is Continuing Its Destruction of Rafah by Massive Bombing
Susan Akram is quoted.
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Daily Free Press April 10, 2024
School of Law Director Advocates for Palestinian Refugee Rights
Susan Akram is quoted.
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The New Arab March 26, 2024
How Palestinians Risk Massive New Displacement and Limited Access to Asylum in Europe
Susan Akram is quoted.
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Activities & Engagements
No upcoming activities or engagements.
“Palestine Refugees and International Law”
Get DetailsThe Association of America Law Schools 2024 Annual Meeting
Get DetailsThe Israeli Attack on Jenin: Legal and Political Implications
Get DetailsEU and US Border Regimes: Historical Perspectives and Current Policies
Get DetailsInternational perspectives on apartheid and decolonization in Palestine
Get DetailsPalestine Refugees and International Law Short Course
Get DetailsInternational Education Week Panel Discussion:
Get DetailsCourses
International Human Rights Clinic: LAW JD 975
THIS CLASS IS RESTRICTED to students who have formally applied to and been accepted to the International Human Rights Clinic. Students in the Clinic work on policy issues on behalf of institutional clients that represent refugees, forced migrants, immigrants, and stateless persons. Students work on long-term human rights projects such as: working with NGOs in advocacy in the UN human rights system or in regional organs (e.g. Inter-American and European human rights bodies); advocating for durable solutions to statelessness and citizenship deprivation in the Middle East; and organizing workshops and presentations to major stakeholders around the world. Students conduct legal and factual research and outreach to partners and project strategy development, and prepare written reports and submissions to international and regional agencies. The clinic fieldwork may include international travel. PRE/CO-REQUISITE: International Human Rights (LAW JD 991). NOTE: The International Human Rights Clinic counts towards the 6 credit Experiential Learning requirement. GRADING NOTICE: This course does not offer the CR/NC/H option.
FALL 2025: LAW JD 975 A1 , Sep 2nd to Dec 19th 2025| Days | Start | End | Credits | Instructors | Bldg | Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARR | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | 3 | Susan M. Akram |
| Days | Start | End | Credits | Instructors | Bldg | Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARR | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | 3 | Susan M. Akram |
International Human Rights Clinic: Human Rights Advocacy: LAW JD 843
THIS CLASS IS RESTRICTED to students who have formally applied to and been accepted to the International Human Rights Clinic. This is the companion spring classroom component for students in the Clinic. The course focuses on further developing skills in the context of the substantive law and mechanisms of the Inter-American Human Rights system. Classes will cover: interviewing and counseling institutional (non-governmental organizations) clients; designing and implementing human rights field research; ethical pitfalls and professional 'best practices' in human rights collaborations with international networks; advocacy within the Inter-American machinery; and simulations using comparative and foreign human rights problems. The classes will be a combination of readings and discussion; simulations; student presentations; short papers and case rounds to discuss project work; and group and individual feedback on project development. NOTE: This course counts towards the 6 credit Experiential Learning requirement. GRADING NOTICE: This course does not offer the CR/NC/H option.
SPRG 2026: LAW JD 843 A1 , Jan 12th to May 8th 2026| Days | Start | End | Credits | Instructors | Bldg | Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed | 2:10 pm | 4:10 pm | 3 | Susan M. Akram |
International Human Rights Clinic: Skills 1: LAW JD 840
THIS CLASS IS RESTRICTED to students who have formally applied to and been accepted to the International Human Rights Clinic. This course is the companion fall classroom component for students enrolled in the Clinic and provides an introduction to essential lawyering skills, with a focus on those relevant to the practice of human rights law. The goal of the course is to help students develop a wide range of competencies, including written and oral communication and advocacy, legal research, factual investigation, witness interviewing, professional responsibility, and strategic thinking and problem-solving. NOTE: This course counts towards the 6 credit Experiential Learning requirement. GRADING NOTICE: This course does not offer the CR/NC/H option.
FALL 2025: LAW JD 840 A1 , Sep 2nd to Dec 19th 2025| Days | Start | End | Credits | Instructors | Bldg | Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed | 2:10 pm | 4:10 pm | 3 | Susan M. Akram |