Strengthening human rights in the Pacific: Romulo’s PhD journey

Romulo Nayacalevu began his PhD journey at The Australian National University’s School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet) with a strong sense of purpose, shaped by years of practical experience across the Pacific region. A Pacific human rights lawyer, Romulo worked with organisations like the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, The Pacific Community (SPC) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat (MSG), providing technical assistance and capacity support to Pacific governments in meeting their human rights obligations.

Back in high school, Romulo had always envisioned completing a PhD, but it was his professional experience that ultimately prompted his return to study. Working in the region, he became increasingly aware of the need for rigorous research that could complement and strengthen policy work. “My PhD journey was about building research that translates experience into theory, and making theory make sense for addressing human rights gaps,” he said.

Romulo enrolled at RegNet with Professor Miranda Forsyth as his primary supervisor, beginning the process of rethinking how his policy and practice experience could be shaped into a doctoral thesis. “It was a bit of a cart-before-the-horse moment,” he recalled. “As my supervisor reminded me early on, ‘it’s a thesis, not a policy position.’” With guidance from his supervisory panel, Romulo reconfigured his thinking to develop what he describes as an “organic thesis” — one that reflects his research curiosity and passion for human rights work in the Pacific, while remaining firmly anchored in academic inquiry.

His thesis examines gaps in human rights protection and promotion across the Pacific. It suggests that addressing these gaps requires the institutionalisation of human rights at both national and regional (Pacific) levels. Building on earlier scholarship that has proposed a regional human rights mechanism, Romulo’s research documents how the establishment of human rights institutions can support Pacific governments in fulfilling their international obligations and commitments. This, in turn, works towards building a stronger human rights culture within states and across the region collectively.

A highlight of Romulo’s PhD experience was the sense of community he found at RegNet and across ANU, which he values deeply.

Engaging with a robust academic community was surely a highlight. From my first day, I found RegNet to be a supportive and intellectually generous environment, one that encouraged growth through dialogue with scholars and peers on shared journeys of discovery. I also valued the Pasifika network at ANU, which further enriched my experience, and ANU and Canberra really have all the ingredients for success — a space that’s conducive to focus, learning and reflection.

Looking ahead, Romulo sees his PhD as foundational to his future work across the Pacific. His degree has strengthened his research capabilities, deepened his engagement with regulatory thinking, and sharpened his ability to translate theory into meaningful action. He situates his thesis within the Pacific’s 2050 Strategy, which he views as a key framework for grounding a regional human rights architecture, and he is confident that institutionalising human rights is the way forward in building and strengthening a Pacific human rights regime and culture.

For aspiring PhD candidates, Romulo offers thoughtful and grounded advice.

Work closely with your supervisors while maintaining your authentic voice throughout the thesis — your voice is crucial, it’s embedded in your arguments.  Build your networks and communities, as ANU is a rich environment for that. Breathe and live, don’t just survive. Enjoy the culture and beauty of Canberra, immerse yourself in the learning process, but don’t forget to meet your milestones.

Reflecting on his own journey, Romulo describes it as “a kaleidoscope of experiences” that made every moment meaningful. He encourages future candidates to see the PhD as an adventure — one of discovery, learning and transformation.

“You might not write a Nobel Peace Prize–winning thesis, but your work is still valuable and it matters. It brings together the collective voices of your people, communities or nation and translates them into an academic reservoir that will continue to inform policies, or tangible action. Your work matters and you matter,” he said.