Human Rights Defenders play an essential role in the realisation of rights and promotion of equality. Not only do they fight for human rights in situations of oppression and abuse; they also act as monitors, drawing attention both of their respective communities and of the international community to otherwise neglected violations and threats; they assist victims in claiming their rights and contribute to holding those in power accountable.

STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

The Venice School 2020 is devoted to strengthening the work of human rights defenders both generally and in relation to campaigns for gender equality / protection against gender-based violence and the safeguarding of children’s rights. A core introduction is provided to all participants in plenary, and afterwards, specialized seminars will be organized on the following subject areas:

The first stream explores possibilities for reinforcing the work of human rights defenders through a targeted engagement with international, regional and national human rights mechanisms as well as civil society organisations. Seminars will examine the use of digital media for documenting human rights violations, the dynamics of engaging with traumatized victims as well as a variety of contemporary challenges related to economic, social and cultural rights.

The second stream is devoted to developing a comprehensive gender sensitive approach to the work of human rights defenders. Particular attention will be devoted to sexual and gender- based violence, and to imminent threats to human rights in conflict and post-conflict situations and situations of repressive governance.

The third stream explores possibilities for engaging children as human rights defenders, raising awareness of human rights for future generations, operationalising children’s right to active participation and generally strengthening the protection of the rights of the child. Specific focus will be given to the findings, recommendations and follow-up actions to a recently completed UN Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty conducted by the Global Campus Secretary General, Manfred Nowak.

THE FACULTY

The faculty of the Venice School includes prominent academics, representatives of leading human rights NGOs, members of the European Parliament and Sakharov Prize Laureates.

HOW TO APPLY

Registration deadline: 24 February 2020
Early Bird: Enrol by 27 January 2020 to receive a 10% discount!
Venue: Monastery of San Nicolò, Venice – Lido
Admission requirements: The Venice School is addressed to graduate students from all academic backgrounds. All courses will be held in English.

For more information, contact us at veniceschool@gchumanrights.org or visit https://gchumanrights.org/school.