10 April-21 May 2013 (E07213) | Register for this course (opens in new window)
30 October-10 December 2013 (E07213-2)
Forced migration is one of today's major international challenges and lies at the heart of the fundamental concepts of humanity and equality. War, conflict, environmental and human catastrophes, as well as the effects of globalisation and economic polarisation, compels individuals to move in search of safety and stability. This certificate course introduces participants to the international and regional systems and standards of refugee protection from historical, legal, theoretical and practical perspectives. It also analyses special protection mechanisms such as complementary or temporary protection. The mounting challenges to refugee protection resulting from a growth in mixed migration, and rising xenophobia will also be examined.
The linkages between human rights law, humanitarian law and refugee law are analysed in views of states' compliance with legal and ethical obligations. Special attention is given to the three durable solutions for refugees (repatriation, local integration and resettlement) and reflects on some of the key challenges presented by each of them.
The particular challenges presented by complex emergencies and mass influxes are discussed as are the responses developed by the international community to effective humanitarian aid delivery, such as the "cluster approach". The critical importance of approaching refugee populations as heterogeneous groups with differing needs and resources is explained, and approaches to the identification of and response to special protection needs of vulnerable individuals within the community discussed.
This certificate course involves approximately 30 hours of reading, on-line working groups, interaction among students and instructor, webinars, quizzes and a writing assignment, and is offered over a 6-week period. The course will integrate active and participatory learning approaches within activities and assignments, with an emphasis on reflective and collaborative learning. 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.
Course outline
Week 1. Introduction to forced migration - history of population movements, evolution of refugee regime and basic concepts
Week 2. International and regional frameworks for refugee protection – Geneva Convention of 1951 and 1967 Protocol, Cartagena Declaration and OAU Convention
Week 3. Contemporary challenges of forced migration: mixed migration, human trafficking, complex emergencies and mass influxes
Week 4. Division of roles and responsibilities: governments (host/donor), UNHCR, NGOs; inter-agency co-operation and the Cluster Approach
Week 5. The search for durable solutions as an integral part of protecting refugees: key challenges in a shrinking world
Week 6. Participatory needs assessment of refugee populations; identification of and response to individuals with special protection needs
About the instructor
Dr Christine Mougne has thirty years of experience in the humanitarian field and holds a PhD in Social Anthropology from the London School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS). She has worked extensively with UNHCR in Central and West Africa, Southeast Asia, Iraq, the Gulf and the Middle East. She also has considerable NGO experience, and has worked with Save the Children, Refugee Action and the International Rescue Committee. She is a Southeast Asia specialist and her professional focus is on refugees and migration, demographic change, child protection and SGBV.
Who should apply
The course is aimed at practitioners and professionals who want to gain knowledge in the field of forced migration, government officials (local and national level) dealing with forced migration and refugee-related issues; staff of inter-governmental organisations such as the IOM and UNHCR; NGO staff members and service providers; and students of law, international relations, politics and social science. Participants should have a good written command of English and have high competence and comfort with computer and Internet use. HREA aims to ensure equal gender and geographical distribution across the selected participants. The maximum number of course participants is 25. It also possible to audit the course. A Certificate of Participation will be awarded upon successful completion of the course.
Costs
Tuition fee for participants: US$ 575. Early registration discounts: 25% when paying 8 weeks before the start of the course; 15% when paying 4 weeks before course start.
Tuition for auditors: US$ 215. Early registration discounts: 25% when paying 8 weeks before the start of the course; 15% when paying 4 weeks before course start
Payments can be made online with major credit cards, PayPal and check (Canada and USA). Bulk rates are available.
Registration
This course will be offered from 10 April-21 May 2013 and 30 October-10 December 2013.
Register for this course (opens in new window)
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