Central European University, Budapest in cooperation with Open Society Justice Initiative, New York
Summer School 2013 on 'Strategic Human Rights Litigation', Budapest, 15 - 19 July 2013
 
The course is aimed at young practitioners, ideally with three to five years’ experience in human rights cases. The course will encourage participants to approach human rights litigation strategically, viewing litigating a human rights case as one step in the process of achieving social change. It will include modules that examine the steps involved in strategic litigation, specialist seminars on topics such as torture, arrest rights, freedom of expression, discrimination and migration, as well as a series of smaller discussion groups or individual consultation sessions where participants can get feedback on particular issues which they face in their cases.

The summer school provides a unique opportunity for established human rights professionals to build on their experience and to develop their skills to successfully bring cases to the regional human rights systems and the UN treaty bodies, and to use those cases to achieve practical change. The curriculum will combine presentations, case studies, exercises, and discussion groups with preparatory work and further reading to ensure full maximum benefit for those attending the course. Participants will be invited to provide information on cases they are working on and those concrete examples will help shape discussion.

Eligibility criteria
Participants need not be practicing lawyers; however, they must have at least three years’ experience in human rights practice with some experience in human rights litigation. Participants will be required to submit examples of cases and issues that they are or have been involved in. Instruction will be in English. Bursaries towards tuition fees and expenses including travel are available where the need can be demonstrated.

Purpose and priorities
The course encourages participants to approach human rights litigation strategically, viewing litigating a human rights case as one step in the process of achieving social change. It includes modules that examine the steps involved in strategic litigation, such as case selection, client care, and forum choice. It also uses case studies to explore how to build a strong evidential record in support of the case, how to develop campaigning and advocacy to raise awareness of the issues involved, and how to implement a successful judgment. Other presentations will focus on the challenges of drafting legal petitions dealing with human rights claims and dealing with the ethical problems that arise in human rights cases.

The curriculum will cover a range of human rights tribunals, such as the African, Inter-American, and European regional bodies, as well as the most frequently used United Nations treaty bodies. The course will also allow participants to choose specialist seminars to examine key issues in their field, including torture and the right to life, discrimination, freedom of information and expression, violations in the context of migration, and rights upon arrest.

The summer school faculty consists of academics from CEU and practitioners from the Justice Initiative and its human rights litigation partners, combining both an academic analysis and a practical assessment of different human rights situations faced by lawyers and activists around the world.

Guidelines
For further information and to apply, please visit the Central European University website.