UGENT Human Rights Research Network

Published on 05-12-2023, Last modified on 05-12-2023

In memoriam – Mathilde Brackx

With deep sadness, we inform you about the unexpected death of Mathilde Brackx. She was a 24-year-old PhD candidate at the Private International Law Institute of Ghent University, and a member of the Human Rights Research Network.

Mathilde was working on access to remedy for victims of corporate human rights abuse and more specifically on the enforceability of judgements in transnational civil litigation, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Jinske Verhellen and Prof. Dr. Yves Haeck. She was going to present a paper within the stream “Human Rights and Accountability” in the upcoming HRRN conference.

On October the 10th, Mathilde decided to end her life. We are all deeply affected by this sudden loss. All our thoughts are going to Mathilde’s loved ones.

Her colleagues describe Mathilde as a warm, smiling and bright person who loved travelling, reading and drinking flat whites.

More than ever, we warmly invite you to take good care of yourself and the ones around you. Surround yourself with loved ones, and do not hesitate to reach for help (in your university support or in a private manner).


The Human Rights Research Network

Do you have questions about suicide or are you looking for help and want to remain anonymous? You can contact the suicide hotline 24/7 on the number 1813. You can also do this via chat or e-mail on the website zelfmoord1813.be