Front Line Defenders - EU Office, Brussels
Research Internship
Deadline for application: 12 February 2014

Front Line Defenders is the International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders. It provides fast and effective action to help protect human rights defenders at risk so they can continue their work as key agents of social change.  

Front Line Defenders' EU Office is looking to recruit an intern to conduct a research project on foreign policy priorities of EU Member States, and how Member States' interest influence the implementation of their human rights policies in third countries, in particular with regard to human rights defenders. The project focus will be on Spain, Italy, and Germany.

2014 Summer Course on International Public Law, The Hague Academy of International Law
7 - 25 July 2014, Peace Palace, The Hague
Deadline for application: 1 March 2014
 

The Summer courses are the principal and best-known activity of the Academy. They are published in the internationally widely known series Collected Courses of the Hague Academy of International Law. The courses take place in the newly completed Academy building located in the Peace Palace in The Hague, are given in English or French, and are simultaneously translated into the other language.

Since the Academy is not a university, it does not have a permanent teaching staff. Rather it calls upon outstanding academics, diplomats and practitioners who come from institutions all over the world. By inviting a wide variety of lecturers, the Curatorium seeks to be as open as possible and to benefit from the widest variety of viewpoints and ideas.

Summer University 2014, Central European University (CEU), Budapest
Drug Policy and Human Rights
14 - 23 July 2014
Deadline for application: 14 February 2014

The Central European University's Summer University (CEU SUN) is a programme in English for graduate students, junior or post-doctoral researchers and professionals. It offers high-level, research-oriented, interdisciplinary academic coursis as well as workshops on policy issues for professional development, taught by internationally renowed scholars and policy experts.

CEU SUN 2014 on 'Drug Policy and Human Rights' is organized in cooperation with the Global Drug Policy Program at the Open Society Foundations.

International Criminal Court Summer School 2014, National University of Ireland, Galway
16 - 20 June 2014, Irish Centre for Human Rights

This year's International Criminal Court Summer School at the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland, Galway will take place from 16 - 20 June 2014.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is arguably the most important new international institution since the establishment of the United Nations. The aim of the International Criminal Court is to combat impunity for atrocities and it is at the forefront of a broader movement for achieving accountability.

The ICC Summer School is the premiere summer school on the International Criminal Court. The summer school consists of five days of intensive lectures given by leading specialists on the subject, and is attended by legal professionals, academics, postgraduate students and NGOs. Participants are provided with a detailed working knowledge of the establishment of the Court, its structures and operations, and the applicable law. Lectures also speak to related issues in international criminal law, including: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, the crime of aggression, universal jurisdiction, immunities, and the role of victims. This year the ICC is pleased to have a lecture specifically on Africa and the ICC.

All information can be found on the ICC Summer School website.

International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP), Geneva
Policy Adviser, Evaluator, Internship Programme

About ICDP

In recent years, a clear and growing trend towards the abolition of the death penalty in the world has become increasingly notable. This is due to the development of an international movement promoted by International and Regional Organizations, relevant civil society actors and representatives of the political world. However, despite all the efforts and achievements to date, there are still many places in the world where the use of the death penalty is still practiced.

The Spanish Government launched an initiative to establish the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) in order to reinforce the fight against the death penalty in all regions of the world and in order to establish a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, with a view to its complete abolition. The initiative is supported by 18 countries representing all the regions of the world.

The added value of ICDP lies in the importance of its members, their independence in decision making and broad geographical representation, giving it a high profile in the international arena, as well as a strategic and selective character when carrying out its objectives, with a view to achieving tangible results.

ICDP is currently recruiting:
• A part-time Policy Adviser to provide expertise and advice in the area of the abolition of the death penalty.
Deadline for application: 31 January 2014
• An Evaluator to undertake an evaluation of ICDP's functions, accountability, governance, efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability.
Deadline for application: 7 February 2014
• An Intern for the period 3 March - 31 May 2014.
Deadline for application: 14 February 2014

ERA Summer Course 2014 on European Criminal Justice
2 - 6 July 2012, ERA Conference Centre, Trier (Germany)

The Academy of European Law (ERA) is a non-profit public foundation that provides training in European law to legal practitioners. Its patrons include most EU member states and it is supported by the EU. ERA organises conferences and seminars around Europe, has an e-learning platform and publishes a legal journal ERA Forum.

The Summer Coursen in Trier will introduce lawyers to practical aspects of European Criminal Justice.

Conference on Freedom of Expression, University of Helsinki
8 - 9 May 2014
University of Helsinki, Main Building, Room Runeberg
Deadline for call for papers: 28 February 2014

The conference is for all researchers, judges, journalists, representatives of NGOs and media practitioners (lawyers, editors, journalists, etc.) who are interested in the practical and legal extent and limitations on the freedom of expression. The conference will provide academics and practitioners alike with the opportunity to learn about the most significant freedom of expression developments in Europe in recent years. Experts from across the continent will provide an overview of the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the most important trends in the field of freedom of expression. The conference will have as its main focus the legal aspects of freedom of expression, but media’s self-regulation and ‘self-censorship’ will also be discussed.

Transitional Justice Institute and School of Law, University of Ulster
PhD Study Opportunities
Deadline for application: 28 February 2014

The Transitional Justice Institute and School of Law at the University of Ulster offers PhD study opportunities in the areas of transitional justice, human rights, international law, socio-legal studies, legal theory.

An overview of the thematic areas and/or projects can be consulted here. Applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisors associated with particular projects and research areas to discuss proposals before applying.

Different sources of funding are available, which are summarized here. All information for prospective research students can be found here.

Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN), Brussels
Internship
Deadline for application: 3 February 2014

About the EMHRN

The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) was founded in January 1997 in response to the Barcelona Declaration of November 1995 and the establishment of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EMP). It is the coordinating body of about eighty human rights organisations and institutions as well as individuals from over thirty countries. The EMHRN organisational structure is built on a general assembly, an executive committee, working groups and a secretariat.

Rooted in civil society the Network seeks to develop and strengthen partnerships between NGOs in the EuroMed region, i.e. networking aimed at strengthening the capacity of members to act and interact within the context of the region and the Barcelona process and other EU-Arab cooperation frameworks.

The EMHRN secretariat is situated in Copenhagen, with offices in Brussels, Amman, Paris and Tunis.

EMHRN is looking to recruit a bright and enthusiastic intern to assist the Brussels office in its justice related work. The internship will start on 1 March 2014 for a period of 5 months.

MLDI - Media Legal Defence Initiative (MLDI), London
Legal Officer
Deadline for application: 26 January 2014

The Media Legal Defence Initiative (MLDI) is a charity that helps journalists worldwide defend their rights. It provide support for the defence of journalists and independent media outlets, and does so by providing finance as well as by helping develop legal arguments and providing substantive legal support. 

MLDI is recruiting for a Legal Officer to strengthen itsteam. This is an exciting opportunity to join a young organisation and help build it to become a leader in the legal defence of journalists worldwide.

National University of Ireland Galway
LL.M. in International and Comparative Disability Law and Policy
Deadline for application: 1 February 2014

The LL.M. in International and Comparative Disability Law and Policy at the National University of Ireland Galway offers students an innovative and internationally focused programme dealing with the process of law reform and policy in the field of disability. This area of law is undergoing significant changes as a result of the introduction of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This change in the legal landscape has informed the content and topics for study in the LL.M.

The mandatory modules address two issues, firstly, to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the core foundational themes in disability law and policy, secondly, to provide students with the necessary research skills to complete their programme of study.

The optional modules address law and policy at international, regional and national level as well addressing topical subjects such as Legal Capacity, Independent Living and Inclusive Education.

United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section, Geneva (Switzerland)
Indigenous Fellowship Programme - 2014 Senior Indigenous Fellow Position
Deadline for application: 17 January 2014

What is the Indigenous Fellowship Programme?

In 2011, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) established an on-the-job training opportunity for indigenous persons who are more highly qualified/experienced. The position of 'Senior Indigenous Fellow' aims at giving selected candidates a better understanding of the international human rights system and mechanisms, especially those dealing with indigenous issues, through direct work experience within the Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section (IPMS) at OHCHR in Geneva. Along with gaining practical knowledge and work experience, the Senior Indigenous Fellow also develops extensive networks with other UN departments or agencies, Geneva-based human rights NGOs and other key actors dealing with human rights and indigenous issues at the international level. The Fellow is expected to return to his/her home country with an enhanced set of skills and expertise to contribute towards the promotion and protection of human rights of indigenous persons at the national, regional and international levels.

European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation (EIUC), Venice (Italy)
European Master's Degree in Human Rights and Democratisation (E.MA)
Deadline for application: 15 January 2014

The European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation (EIUC) is an interdisciplinary centre of excellence formed by 41 universities from all European Union Member States. It was founded in 2002 on a commitment to the realisation of the values promoted by the EU, the promotion of high-level inter-disciplinary human rights education, research, training and culture, and a shared global understanding of human rights and democracy.

The EIUC is accepting applications for the 18th edition of the European Master's Degree in Human Rights and Democratisation (E.MA), a one-year advanced master’s course aimed at preparing professionals to respond to the operational requirements of daily work in international organisations, field operations, governmental and non-governmental bodies, and academia.

Applications for the academic year 2014/2015 are processed on an on-going basis. De deadline for application is 15 January 2014. Apply now!

United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS), Bruges (Belgium)
Post-Doc Research Fellow in the Area of Regional Health Policies
Deadline for application: 10 February 2014

The United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) is a research and training institute of the United Nations University. UNU is a global network of institutes and programmes engaged in research and capacity development to support the universal goals of the UN. It brings together leading scholars from around the world with a view to generate strong and innovative knowledge on how to tackle pressing global problems.

Applications are invited for a full-time Research Fellow, from 1 March 2014 (preferably) for a period of 24 months, to work under the supervision of Dr Stephen Kingah and Dr Philippe De Lombaerde at UNU-CRIS, in providing high level research assistance on an international research project 'Poverty Reduction and Regional Integration: A Comparative Analysis of SADC and UNASUR Health Policies' funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) in collaboration with the UK department for International Development and  led by Professor Nicola Yeates (Open University, UK), and performing related tasks. Further project partners include: the University of Southampton, the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), and FLACSO, Argentina.

For further information, please consult the vacancy.

Strategic Studies Project - Amnesty International Netherlands
Seminar: Endtimes or breakthrough - Human rights in a neo-Westphalian world
7 February 2014, The Hague Institute for Global Justice
Deadline for registration: 20 january 2014

This seminar is the first in a new series about the future of human rights entitled 'Changing perspectives on human rights' and is organised by the Strategic Studies Project, an initiative of Amnesty International Netherlands.

Speakers
Stephen Hopgood
Reader in International Relations, SOAS, University of London, author of 'The Endtimes of Human Rights' (Cornell University Press, 2013) and 'Keepers of the Flame: Understanding Amnesty International (Cornell University Press, 2006)

Todd Landman
Professor of Government and Excecutive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, former Co-Director of the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex and author of 'Human Rights and Democracy: The Precarious Triumph of Ideals' (Bloomsbury, 2013)

Steve Crawshaw
Director of the Secretary General's Office at Amnesty International (AI), former International Advocacy Director at AI and former UN Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch, co-author of 'Small Acts of Resistance' (2010)

Date: 7 February 2014
Time: 13:30 - 17:00
Venue: The Hague Institute for Global Justice, Sophialaan 10, NL-2514 JR The Hague
Registration: Entrance is free, registration is required at StrategischeVerkenningen@amnesty.nl.

University of Iceland - Human Rights Institute
Conference: Shifting Centres of Gravity in European Human Rights Protection
6-7 March 2014, The Nordic House, Sturlugata 5, Reykjavík
Deadline for registration: 1 March 2014

Purpose of the conference

The protection of human rights in Europe is at crossroads. The European Union (EU) is increasingly prioritising fundamental rights, for example by giving the Charter of Fundamental Rights the status of primary law and through the treaty-based obligation of accession to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Accession, once it takes place, expands the mandate of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and is likely to bring about fundamental structural changes to the system of human rights protection in Europe, as decisions of the ECtHR will be binding on the EU and its courts. However, pulling in a somewhat different direction than developments in EU law, the political momentum for bringing the responsibility for the protection of ECHR rights ‘home’ to the member states has been growing ever stronger. This repositioning of the centre of gravity of human rights protection is beginning to take shape in two new Protocols to the ECHR, which emphasise the principle of subsidiarity and the margin of appreciation enjoyed by the member states (Protocol No. 15), and introduce a preliminary reference procedure under the ECHR (Protocol No. 16). Finally, and in light of the crisis created by the overwhelming case-load of the ECtHR, the Brighton Declaration of 2010 has put the long-term review of the Court’s fundamental nature and role on the agenda before the end of 2019. Overall, therefore, the future of human rights in Europe faces major structural changes which could have significant consequences for access to justice and the quality of protection provided to victims of human rights violations.
This conference will explore these themes from the perspective that current developments call for a critical assessment of classical approaches to the three-dimensional relationship between the ECHR, EU law and national law; of the theories and tools utilised to navigate this relationship; and of the effects current developments may have on victims and vulnerable groups.

The draft programme and all practical details can be found here.

Center for European Studies, Maastricht University (The Netherlands)
The European Union: Peace, conflict and human rights
2 - 27 July 2014

Enrolment is now open for the summer school at Maastricht University's Center for European Studies. One of the courses offered from 2 - 27 July 2014 is entitled: The European Union: Peace, Conflict and Human Rights. The course is an opportunity to better understand how human rights are defended in the EU, following entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. Special attention will be given to the Fundamental Rights Agency, the accession to the European Convention on Human Rights and the external policies regarding human rights. Students are also encouraged to take educational study trips to learn more about European Union institutions.

Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC), The Hague Secretariat
Legal Section Internship
Deadline for application: 10 January 2014

The Coalition for the International Criminal Court is the largest partnership in the world advancing the cause of international justice. Including more than 2,500 civil society organizations from 150 countries, the Coalition is leading the global fight to end genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity through a commitment to the core values of human rights and justice.

The Coalition is engaged in ensuring the effectiveness, independence, and accessibility of international justice and related national legal structures, while also responding to more urgent local and regional developments. The Coalition works with all aspects of the International Criminal Court, as well as with the broader network of governments, the United Nations, and other institutions involved in the international justice system. Through this committed global partnership, the Coalition’s guiding mission is to make justice universally accessible for victims of the gravest crimes in an effort to secure lasting peace.

The Coalition is offering an internship in the legal section.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, Brussels
Internship
Deadline for application: 17 January 2014

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. It also has a mandate to help stateless people.

In more than six decades, the agency has helped tens of millions of people restart their lives. Today, a staff of some 7,685 people in more than 125 countries continues to help some 33.9 million persons.

UNHCR is currently seeking an intern to start 31 January 2014.