28 August-8 October 2013 (E14313) | Register for this course (opens in new window)
Instructor: Andrea Huber
This certificate course gives an overview of human rights obligations of states with regard to torture and ill-treatment. Numerous conventions have been adopted at regional and international level to respond to and prevent the practice of torture and ill-treatment. Alongside with slavery and genocide, the international community has recognised torture and ill-treatment as impermissible at all times and in all circumstances. Its prohibition is absolute and found its way into customary law, binding to all states irrespective of whether they are parties to international treaties codifying the prohibition. Courts and committees have further refined regional and international standards.
Yet, the practice of torture and ill-treatment seems hard to eradicate. Across the globe, abusive interrogation techniques, excessive use of force by law enforcement officials and conditions in detention amounting to torture and ill-treatment remain widespread, and individuals are subject to deportation and extradition despite facing a serious risk of torture in the target country. Policies to counter terrorism have yet again attempted to justify the use of torture and ill-treatment. However, human rights law has come a long way to contrast the practice of torture and ill-treatment with detailed safeguards and specialised institutions, responding to factors contributing to torture and aiming at the establishment of accountability and preventive mechanisms.
This e-learning course involves approximately 30 hours of reading, discussion, webinars, quizzes and a written assignment and is offered over a six-week period. The course is based on a participatory, active learning approach, with an emphasis on critical reflection and peer-to-peer 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: International and regional standards
Week 2: Legal framework and safeguards
Week 3: Arrest and detention
Week 4: Investigation and prosecution
Week 5: Special settings
Week 6: Preventive mechanisms
About the instructor
Andrea Huber is Policy Director at Penal Reform International in London. A lawyer by training, research of human rights issues and advocacy for the implementation and advancement of international human rights law have been at the core of her work. Starting as a legal counsellor for asylum seekers in 1997, subsequently she headed the department for refugees and migration of Caritas Austria with a focus on advocacy and policy development. After a one-year engagement in the judiciary as a legal assistant to judges of the Regional Higher Court Vienna she joined Amnesty International, tasked with research and advocacy in different functions in the Vienna office, the EU office in Brussels and as Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International’s headquarters in London. Andrea Huber published two books and contributed to several evaluation reports and comparative analyses in the European context. She participated in field missions to DR Congo, Ukraine, Syria and Georgia and has got varied experience in trainings.
Who should apply
The course is intended for human rights defenders, NGO staff, staff of intern-governmental organisations with a mandate to prevent torture and ill-treatment, and law enforcement officials, prison officials and other professionals that work in closed institutions. Candidates 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.
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
Register for this course (opens in new window)
Frequently asked questions about HREA's e-learning courses.
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