Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) is an international non-governmental organisation that supports human rights learning; the training of activists and professionals; the development of educational materials and programming; and community-building through on-line technologies.
HREA offers a new e-learning course "Safeguards against Torture and Ill-Treatment" from 13 October-23 November 2010; application deadline: 15 September 2010.
This short 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.
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
This certificate course involves approximately 30 hours of reading, discussion, webinars with invited experts and assignments, 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 course instructor will provide individualised feedback where appropriate. Participants will do the required readings and participate in group discussions and webinars. 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.
For further information and online application form, please click here.