What participants said about this course:

"The course met my expectations to learn more about human rights litigation, especially about strategic impact cases.  Moreover, it focused on a non-governmental perspective, which is what I lacked as I have only worked for governmental organizations until now."

"I must emphasise that this course gave an excellent overview of litigation of human rights."

"It exceeded expectations in that it opened my eyes to the various facets and issues of human rights litigation, which I had not contemplated prior to the course."

"Exceeded Expectations."

"The course went really well. I have learned a lot about litigation. I think that I’m well equipped now to prepare what I intend to do in the next coming years- human rights litigation. Thanks to the instructors for being so patient."

"The formal study of human rights is new to Victoria Police. As a result I didn’t have any expectations.  As a result of completing the course, I now have a desire to study further and will have more directed expectations of future courses."

"I have learned a lot on various issues such as strategic litigation, the contradiction between best interests of the client and strategic goals. Other interesting issues involved the complex issue of economic, social and cultural rights and the role of courts in protecting them, the international treaties obligation, and human rights lawyering organizations."

"I felt the topics gave me a good overview of human rights Litigation."

"I enjoyed it. I feel that there should be a few changes to the structure. There appeared to be two topics closely linked to ethical challenges. Perhaps it would be better to merge those and then use the extra week to give space to structural reform litigation and asylum proceedings separately. Further, the nature of strategy and ‘strategic litigation’ has a feel of the abstract. It would be nice after the week on it to spread out references more finely and throughout the course. Once it is restated with specific topic references, it may require more affixed practical significance in our minds."

"Because of the time constraints due to my position, I felt I did not derive all I could have from the course. This being said, I still discovered a whole host of issues which I will now be able to explore on my own initiative, as I revisit the course materials."

"I also enjoyed reading on obstacles and challenges to human rights, domestic remedies availability, race discrimination litigation, as well as the various and numerous insights provided on other organizations’ work. However, I would have liked the course to focus more on regions such as Africa that still have a long way to go. It may be that this kind of direction might also appear like a contribution to the improvement of the African Human Rights system. I don’t mean to say that the European or the Inter-American human rights systems are perfect. What I mean is that those mechanisms are already on the right track compared to the African Human Rights System."

"These [weekly discussions] were a significant highlight for me. The different views were interesting".

"It was extremely interesting to see issues from different perspectives.  I have taken a great deal from such diversity of views."

"I regret not being able to participate in these [chat] sessions. I did attempt to do so on the 2nd chat line, but had technical difficulties. I did, however, read the transcripts of the sessions."

"Chats were very valuable and interesting. It was rewarding to hear others and I never felt others dissmissed our issues as minor. Everyone showed genuine interest, which was fantastic."

"Thank you, instructors. You really helped us grasp it."

"I was impressed with the clear and succinct manner the instructors were able to draw together the threads of thought and views of the participants. Their obvious insight and experience was evident and was totally professional and stimulating."

"For written assignments, submission was easy."

"After a bit of a mix up at the start of the course (being my slow dial up connection), things worked out very well."

"I did not really get to know the other participants, thus, networking was not really possible. I wonder whether there is any mechanism to follow-up on the course and to get in touch with the participants. In general: Well done! I recommended HREA to my colleagues."

"Keep up the good work. This on-line course made me work harder than any other 'real-life' course so far, which made it challenging and interesting."

"I would have loved to have had more time to devote to this course. I loved listening to people from other countries and hearing their particular slant on issues relating to human rights. I greatly enjoyed all aspects of the Course."

"My sincere thanks and best wishes to the instructors and participants."

"I had issues during the course and was unable to fully participate, however the fact that I was able to read others' thoughts and interpretations helped tremendously. The end of week summaries were also excellent and very valuable. I thank you for your efforts and the openness of your sharing and teaching methods. I feel I have gained a tremendous amount from your input."

"I will apply the newly gained knowledge in my individual case work as a lawyer. I will pay more attention to the international human rights conventions and to their mechanisms, and will try to refer to international case law before Swiss courts."

"The course gave me a global view of human rights, which will provide some perspective to the arguments that I present as a prosecutor. This will assist when training staff and presenting information and arguments to staff and the courts."

"I want to develop a work plan specifying a few clear-cut cases which would have a big impact. The risk is to do many cases, which actually do not impact broadly."

"I’m planning to create an African NGO specialized in human rights litigation. The present course not only gave me the necessary knowledge, but also empowered me to better develop work plans as well as trainings for other members of the NGO."

"I do not yet know exactly how to apply what I have learned in the course. I had already a couple of interesting discussions with colleagues working in the area of court monitoring to discuss NGO activities in strategic court cases in Kosovo. I believe that the knowledge obtained in the course will be more of a future benefit, in case more international NGOs become active in strategic impact cases in Kosovo after the Constitution and other laws are passed by the Assembly."

"I think it will give me a greater appreciation for arguments posed by NGOs (in particular regarding police activities and conduct). It was very useful to see how others perceive policing organizations and the role of police. It’s useful in terms of presenting these arguments to others in my organization as a means for indicating the importance of being accountable and being able to explain their actions in human rights terms."