College:

The Graduate Programs Institute focuses the Human Rights Law specialization on the legal frameworks and principles that protect and enhance human rights both nationally and internationally. Students develop their skills in human rights advocacy, legal research, policy analysis, and international law. Graduates are prepared to work in human rights organizations, international institutions, government agencies, and legal practices.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basics of human rights law and international legal frameworks.
• Develop skills in legal research, policy analysis, and human rights advocacy.
• Learn techniques for interpreting and applying human rights laws and treaties.
• Explore principles of international humanitarian law, refugee law, and human rights enforcement.
• Analyze and interpret human rights issues, policies, and global trends.
• Develop critical thinking, analytical, and advocacy skills for effective human rights practice.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Human Rights Law - An overview of essential concepts, principles, and practices in human rights law. - Fundamentals of international human rights frameworks and institutions.
2. International Human Rights Law - Principles of international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and core treaties. - Techniques for understanding and applying international human rights standards.
3. Human Rights Advocacy - Principles of human rights advocacy, including strategic litigation, campaigning, and lobbying. - Techniques for designing and implementing effective advocacy strategies.
4. Legal Research and Policy Analysis - Principles of legal research and policy analysis in human rights. - Techniques for conducting comprehensive legal research and analyzing human rights policies.
5. International Humanitarian Law - Principles of international humanitarian law, including the laws of war, protection of civilians, and armed conflict regulations. - Techniques for applying international humanitarian law in conflict scenarios.
6. Refugee and Asylum Law - Principles of refugee and asylum law, including refugee rights, asylum procedures, and international protection. - Techniques for advocating for and protecting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
7. Human Rights Enforcement - Principles of human rights enforcement, including monitoring, reporting, and arbitration mechanisms. - Techniques for enforcing human rights through national and international mechanisms.
8. Practical Training - Practical experiences in human rights law environments, including internships at human rights organizations, international institutions, or legal practices. - Applying acquired skills in practical human rights scenarios.
9. Capstone Project in Human Rights Law - A comprehensive project to apply skills in international human rights law, advocacy, or legal research. - Presenting a polished project in the field of human rights, policy analysis, or research presentation.

Assessment Methods:

- Legal research papers, policy analyses, strategic advocacy plans, international humanitarian law projects, refugee law studies, human rights enforcement plans, internship reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Human Rights Law" by various authors.
• "International Human Rights Law" by various authors.
• "Human Rights Advocacy" by various authors.
• "Legal Research and Policy Analysis" by various authors.
• "International Humanitarian Law" by various authors.
• "Refugee and Asylum Law" by various authors.
• "Human Rights Enforcement" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of law and international relations and an interest in human rights and legal advocacy.

Duration of the Specialization:

The usual duration for a bachelor's degree is 3-4 years, including coursework, internships, and capstone projects. For advanced practice, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in human rights law can be pursued, typically taking an additional one or two years.

Certification:

Graduates can earn a degree in human rights law and pursue higher education or professional certificates in specialized areas of human rights and international law.

Target Audience:

Lawyers, human rights advocates, policy analysts, and aspiring professionals seeking to work in human rights organizations, international institutions, government agencies, and legal practices. This specialization equips students with the legal, analytical, and advocacy skills necessary to excel in human rights law and support careers in various roles focused on protecting and enhancing human rights.