Felix König

The path to EHS, education and professional career

Which program are you studying at EHS?

The master’s program in human rights.

Who are you?

I have been committed to human rights for as long as I can remember. I am 34 years old, grew up in Jönköping and got involved in LGBT issues when I lived there. Since moving to Stockholm, I have been working in RFSL, LSU – Sweden’s Youth Organizations but also for the Green Party. Since 2015, I have worked with human rights for the Green Party in the government, with ministers Alice Bah Kuhnke, Åsa Lindhagen and also Isabella Lövin. Today the issues closest to my heart are those of racism, LGBTQ rights and Sami rights. In all of these, there really is a lot left to do. Outside of school, my focus is on my partner, dog,  garden  and friends.

What attracted you to study at EHS?

I have friends who studied at EHS who recommended it, and I had been interested in doing a master’s degree for a long time before that. It felt like exactly the right time to take a little break from working life and develop myself – I think everyone who is able to should do that.

What are the three best things about studying human rights at EHS?

After several years in working life it is truly a luxury to be able to delve deeper and fully explore human rights, with all their possibilities and limitations. I have really appreciated the literature which both challenges me and deepens my understanding. In addition I have had very good lecturers who have had different approaches to the questions.

What are the most important skills you take with you from your education at EHS?

I’ve been thinking a lot about how human rights and the international framework can really act as powerful tools to make people’s lives better, here and now. At the same time we need to live in a society where we take care of each other and deal with injustice. They go hand in hand.

What has felt challenging in the studies?

It has been a fast pace with both reading and assignments so it is good to be ready for that. And also it has been a real challenge during the pandemic to sit at home and study – not being able to meet any course members has been boring.

When will you finish your education, and what do you want to do then?

I look forward to continuing to fight for human rights both in politics and beyond with my new perspectives and tools. Sweden can be better! But we also have an important role to play in making a better world where we both respond to the climate crisis and establish human rights.