Utrecht University, Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance (UU)
Summer School 2015 'International Human Rights Law: an Introduction'
13 - 17 July 2015 
Deadline for application: 19 June 2015

Interested in learning about human rights? This one-week introduction course focuses on the major features of international human rights law. It begins by examining the philosophical and political bases of human rights and then explores human rights documents and mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights at the international and regional levels. Human rights-based approaches for analyzing conflict and attempts to promote peace and justice will also be explored. Through lectures, interactive working groups, expert panels and excursion(s), participants will gain an understanding of the various elements - and their interplay - involved in this field.
The basic notion of human rights lies in the recognition of the need to protect and affirm an individual’s dignity. They are the rights of individuals in society, regardless of one’s background, origin, age, income, religion, sex or race. Human rights play an increasingly important role at the international, regional, national and local level, where individuals use the language of human rights to assert and protect their rights. Despite the proliferation of human rights-related documents challenges with implementation and protection continue.

This one-week, comprehensive introduction course focuses on the major features of international human rights law, delving into both theory and practice. It begins by examining the philosophical and political bases of human rights. It then explores human rights documents and mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights at the international and regional levels, looking at civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, and their relationship with one another. Participants will analyse specific rights in context, focusing on the complexities around ensuring human rights protection. Participants will examine the development of human rights law and role played by human rights institutions at all levels of society. Human rights-based approaches for analyzing conflict and attempts to promote peace and justice will also be explored. Through lectures, interactive working groups, expert panels and excursion(s), participants will gain an understanding of the various elements - and their interplay - involved in this field. The course is designed for students and professionals with an interest in human rights law. It will allow participants to gain an in-depth understanding of human rights law in theory and in practice.  

Course aim
The aim of the course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of international human rights law.

Target group
The course is designed for students and professionals with an interest in international human rights law. 

Study load
6 hours teaching during 4 days.
2 hours reading per day.
Marks on the basis of either one exam or one paper of about 2500 words

Course fee
• € 750 - Course + course materials + housing
• € 550 - Course + course materials

Credits
1.5 ECTS credits + Certificate of Attendance

Level
Advanced bachelor level

More detailed information can be found here.

How to apply
Application is online.