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The Post Graduate Diploma in Human Rights is a specialized program that focuses on the study of human rights, their significance, and their application in various contexts. This program is typically offered at the postgraduate level by educational institutions and provides students with an in-depth understanding of human rights principles, laws, policies, and practices at the national, regional, and international levels. The program is designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in human rights advocacy, policy-making, research, or related fields.
Post Graduate Diploma in Human Rights syllabus
The syllabus of the Post Graduate Diploma in Human Rights may vary depending on the institution and program curriculum. However, it typically covers the following core subjects:
- Introduction to Human Rights: This course provides an overview of the history, theories, principles, and concepts of human rights. Students learn about the historical development of human rights, different philosophical and legal approaches to human rights, and the universality and indivisibility of human rights. They also study the key documents and institutions that form the basis of human rights, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and United Nations human rights mechanisms.
- International Human Rights Law: This course delves into the international legal framework for the protection and promotion of human rights. Students study the sources and principles of international human rights law, including treaties, customary international law, and general principles of law. They learn about the international human rights instruments, such as conventions, protocols, and declarations, and their significance in the protection of human rights. Topics covered may include the right to life, freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and the rights of vulnerable groups, such as women, children, refugees, and minorities.
- Human Rights Institutions and Mechanisms: This course focuses on the international, regional, and national institutions and mechanisms that play a role in the protection and promotion of human rights. Students study the United Nations human rights system, including the Human Rights Council, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and human rights treaty bodies. They also learn about regional human rights systems, such as the European Court of Human Rights, Inter-American Court of Human Rights, African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Asian Human Rights Commission. Additionally, students may study national human rights institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society actors that contribute to human rights advocacy and monitoring.
- Human Rights and Social Justice: This course explores the linkages between human rights and social justice, with a focus on vulnerable groups and marginalized communities. Students study the intersectionality of human rights, including issues related to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and socio-economic status. They examine the challenges faced by vulnerable groups in accessing and enjoying their human rights, such as discrimination, inequality, poverty, violence, and displacement. Students also learn about strategies and approaches to promote social justice and address human rights violations, including advocacy, activism, and empowerment of marginalized communities.
- Human Rights and Development: This course examines the relationship between human rights and development, with a focus on economic, social, and cultural rights. Students study the concepts of development and human rights, and their interplay in achieving sustainable and inclusive development. They learn about the human rights-based approach to development, including principles such as participation, non-discrimination, accountability, and empowerment. Topics covered may include the right to education, health, food, water, housing, and work, as well as issues related to poverty, inequality, globalization, and sustainable development goals.
- Human Rights and Humanitarian Law: This course explores the interface between human rights law and humanitarian law, with a focus on armed conflicts and humanitarian crises. Students study the legal framework governing armed conflicts, including international humanitarian law (IHL), also known as the laws of war, and its relationship with human rights law. They learn about the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in the conduct of hostilities, as well as the protection of civilians, prisoners of war, and other persons affected by armed conflicts. Students also examine the role of human rights law in situations of emergency, such as natural disasters, refugee crises, and other humanitarian emergencies, and the challenges of upholding human rights in such contexts.
- Human Rights and Gender: This course explores the intersection of human rights and gender, with a focus on gender-based discrimination, violence, and inequality. Students study the concepts of gender, sex, and sexuality, and their relationship with human rights norms and standards. They examine the challenges faced by women, girls, and other gender minorities in the enjoyment of their human rights, including issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, reproductive rights, and access to justice. Students also learn about gender-sensitive approaches to human rights advocacy, policy-making, and programming, and the promotion of gender equality and women’s rights.
- Human Rights Research and Advocacy: This course equips students with the skills and techniques for conducting human rights research and advocacy. Students learn about research methods, data collection, and analysis in the field of human rights, including qualitative and quantitative approaches. They also study the ethical considerations and challenges in human rights research, including issues related to confidentiality, informed consent, and the protection of vulnerable populations. Additionally, students learn about strategies and tools for human rights advocacy, such as lobbying, campaigning, media engagement, and litigation. They also practice drafting human rights reports, policy briefs, and other advocacy materials.
- Elective Courses: Depending on the program, students may have the option to choose elective courses based on their interests and career goals. Elective courses may cover specialized topics in human rights, such as human rights and refugees, human rights and business, human rights and indigenous peoples, human rights and the environment, human rights and technology, or other emerging issues in the field of human rights.
- Dissertation/Research Project: Some programs may require students to complete a dissertation or research project as part of their Post Graduate Diploma in Human Rights. This provides students with an opportunity to conduct independent research on a specific human rights topic of their choice, under the supervision of faculty or experts in the field.
Overall, the syllabus of the Post Graduate Diploma in Human Rights is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human rights principles, laws, policies, and practices at national, regional, and international levels. It aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical considerations necessary for human rights advocacy, policy-making, research, and other related fields. The program prepares students for careers in human rights organizations, international and regional organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, research institutes, academia, and other relevant sectors where human rights expertise is in demand.