MINELRES: Distance learning course on European system of human rights, including minority rights

[Frank Elbers]

FINAL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Distance learning course on
EUROPEAN SYSTEM OF HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION AND PROMOTION
(22 September-14 December 2003)

Dear colleagues,

Please find below a final call for applications for a new HREA distance 
learning
course on the European system of human rights protection and promotion,
offered in partnership with the Council of Europe. Instructor is Gerd
Oberleitner, Lecturer at Centre for the Study of Human Rights of the
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The deadline for
applications is 1 August 2003. The course is primarily intended for
advanced (under)graduate students of (international) law or social and
political sciences; civic education and history teachers; and NGO staff
members from Council of Europe member states. A limited number of
scholarships (tuition waivers) is available for applicants from Council
Europe member states in Central and Eastern Europe/Newly Independent
States. Application forms can be downloaded from: 
http://www.hrea.org/courses/9E.html
Further inquiries about the course should be sent to
<applications@hrea.org>.

Best wishes,

Frank Elbers
Distance Learning Programme, HREA
http://www.hrea.org/courses/

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COURSE 9E03: INTRODUCTION TO THE EUROPEAN SYSTEM OF HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION
AND PROMOTION
22 September-14 December 2003
Instructor: Gerd Oberleitner

This distance learning course provides participants with practical
guidance on how to protect human rights through the European human rights
system, and specifically the institutions and treaties of the Council of
Europe.  Participants will be introduced to the main European human rights
conventions and jurisprudence, primarily as developed through the European
Court of Human Rights. The course addresses European human rights
standards as they apply to civil and political rights, economic, social
and cultural rights, and the rights of minorities. Case studies on the
freedom of expression, homosexuality, violence against women, protection
of the mentally-ill, prisoner's rights, and the rights of refugees and
internally displaced persons, will deepen participants' understanding of
the European human rights standards and machinery.

The course is primarily intended for advanced (under)graduate students of
(international) law or social and political sciences; civic education and
history teachers; and NGO staff members from Council of Europe member
states. Participants should have a good written command of English (the
course language is English), have high competence and comfort with
computer and Internet use, and have regular access to e-mail and the
Internet.

The course involves approximately 60 hours of reading, on-line working
groups, interaction among students and instructors, and assignments, and
is offered over a 12-week period beginning on 22 September. E-mail will be
the main medium for the course, although participants will need to have
periodic access to the Web. This course will integrate active and
participatory learning approaches within activities and assignments, with
an emphasis on reflective and collaborative learning. Participants will do
the required reading, prepare interim and final project assignments and
participate in group discussions.

The maximum number of course participants is 25. Students who successfully
complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation. It is
also possible to audit the course.

This course is made possible in partnership, and with financial support
of, the Council of Europe.


COURSE OUTLINE

Week 1. History and institutional structure of the Council of Europe
Week 2. The European Court of Human Rights
Week 3. Civil and political rights: The European Convention for the
Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
Week 4. Civil and political rights: The European Convention for the
Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
Week 5. Economic, social and cultural rights: The European Social Charter
Week 6. Minority rights: The Framework Convention for the Protection of
National Minorities
Week 7. Other European human rights mechanisms: OSCE and European Union
Week 8. Role of NGOs in the protection and promotion of human rights
Week 9. Role of the Council of Europe High Commissioner for Human Rights
Week 10. Case Studies: Freedom of expression; Homosexuality
Week 11. Case Studies: Violence against women; Protection of the mentally-ill
Week 12. Case Studies: The rights of asylum seekers; Rights of prisoners
Final assignments due by Week 15.


ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Gerd Oberleitner is a Lecturer at Centre for the Study of Human Rights
of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Holding a
PhD in law, he has lectured in international law and international human
rights law at the University of Graz (Austria) and in human rights courses
and summer schools at other universities. From 1998 to 1999 he also worked
at the Human Rights Department of the Austrian Foreign Ministry. In 1999
he co-founded the European Training Centre for Human Rights and Democracy
(ETC) in Graz and worked as the Centre's Executive Secretary until 2002.
In his research he focuses on the African, European and United Nations
human rights system, minority rights, economic, social and cultural
rights, and the role of non-state actors in human rights. His publications
include "Human rights protection and State reporting" (P. Lang, 1998) and
(as co-editor) "Human Rights of Women - International Instruments and
African Experiences" (ZED Books, 2002).


WHO SHOULD APPLY

The course is intended for university students, teachers and NGO staff
members of human rights/social justice organisations from Council of
Europe member states. Participants should have a good written command of
English and have high competence and comfort with computer and Internet
use. The number of participants is limited to 25 per course. HREA aims to
ensure equal gender and geographical distribution across the selected
participants.


COSTS

The course tuition fee is Euro 485 (tuition for auditors is Euro 200).
Scholarships are available for applicants from Council Europe member
states in Central and Eastern Europe/Newly Independent States.


APPLICATION

The deadline for applications is 1 August 2003. Applications received
after that day unfortunately cannot be accepted. Successful applicants
will be notified by 15 August 2003. Full tuition payment is due on 15
September 2003.


APPLICATION FORMS

Application form: http://www.hrea.org/courses/application9E03.doc (in Word)
Application form: http://www.hrea.org/courses/application9E03.pdf[ (in PDF
format)

Inquiries about the course can be sent to <applications@hrea.org>.