Researcher Hani Younis Earns PhD in Law

The Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at the Main Center of the Islamic University of Minnesota organized, on Sunday evening, June 21, 2026, a scientific defense of the doctoral dissertation submitted by researcher Hani Khalil Haj Younis, entitled "The Impact of Economic Sanctions on Human Rights.” The dissertation was submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the PhD degree in Law at the College of Sharia and Law.

The dissertation was defended before a specialized academic committee chaired by Professor Dr. Mohammed Shuaib Abdulmaqsoud, Head of the Department of Law at the Islamic University of Minnesota. Dr. Shaimaa Shams Al-Din Hussein Abdulghaffar served as the dissertation supervisor, while Dr. Sam Zahi participated as the internal examiner and Dr. Ayman Al-Halahlah as the external examiner.

The dissertation addressed a contemporary legal and humanitarian issue concerning the impact of economic sanctions on human rights. The researcher examined the legal and human rights dimensions of economic sanctions and analyzed their effects on individuals’ fundamental rights and freedoms in light of relevant principles and rules of international law.

The defense featured a substantive academic discussion covering various aspects of the dissertation, including its legal and methodological dimensions. The committee members provided a number of scholarly observations and methodological recommendations aimed at enriching the study and enhancing its academic value. The researcher also engaged with the committee on several issues related to the subject of the dissertation, reflecting the University’s commitment to maintaining high standards of academic quality in its graduate programs.

This dissertation defense is part of the Islamic University of Minnesota’s ongoing efforts to support scientific research and encourage specialized academic studies addressing contemporary legal and humanitarian issues, particularly those with international dimensions. Such efforts contribute to enriching legal scholarship and preparing researchers capable of making rigorous academic contributions that serve society and respond to global developments.