16 October-26 November 2013 (E14313) (revised dates!) | Register for this course (opens in new window)
Instructor: Andrea Huber
This certificate course introduces safeguards against torture and ill-treatment and the corresponding state obligations to protect, investigate, prosecute, prevent and redress abuse. It includes a special session on gender issues.
Alongside 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 in customary law, binding on all states irrespective of whether they are parties to international treaties codifying the prohibition.
Numerous conventions have been adopted at regional and international levels to respond to and prevent the practice of torture and ill-treatment. Courts and committees have further refined regional and international standards.
Yet the practice of torture and ill-treatment is hard to eradicate. Across the globe, excessive use of force by law enforcement officials, abusive interrogation techniques and conditions in detention amounting to torture and ill-treatment remain widespread. However, human rights law has come a long way to improve accountability through detailed safeguards, preventive mechanisms and specialised institutions, which respond to factors contributing to torture and aim to establish accountability.
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 conventions and state obligations
Week 2: Investigation and prosecution
Week 3: Other safeguards and the right to redress
Week 4: Detention standards
Week 5: Special session on gender issues
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 inter-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 (Discover, MasterCard, Visa), PayPal and bank transfer. Bulk rates are available.
Registration
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Frequently asked questions about HREA's e-learning courses.
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