Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne Academy for Human Rights Implementation

when 4 July 2022 - 15 July 2022
language English
duration 2 weeks
credits 7 EC
fee CHF 1200

The Lucerne Academy for Human Rights Implementation is a worldwide 2-week program of coursework and hands-on learning for law students and legal practitioners held in the heart of Europe at the University of Lucerne, Faculty of Law, in Switzerland, in partnership with several distinguished international law schools.

Students will be given a choice of coursework on a variety of topics related to human rights on progressive and traditional issues under both the European Convention of Human Rights and the UN Conventions.


Students have to attend one mandatory introductory class. In addition, they can choose three out of five available subjects, resulting in a course load of four classes in total.

During lunchtime, students are treated to a lecture by visiting professors and guests as well as a lunch. The lunch seminars provide an opportunity for students to interact with their professors and have a more relaxed informal setting to ask questions and socialise with each other.

In addition, the summer school includes two excursions, one to the UN Headquarters (Geneva) and one to the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe (Strasbourg).

Course leader

Professor Dr. iur. Sebastian Heselhaus, M.A.

Target group

Law students and law practitioners can apply to the Lucerne Academy.

Applicants must generally satisfy the following requirements:

You must either be a practitioner or what one would consider an “advanced” law student. For students enrolled in a Bologna model school, this means that you must either currently be enrolled in a Masters Level program (MLaw or comparable) or be eligible for such an enrollment by the Fall semester 2022. For United States students, this means that you will have completed at least one year of studies in a full-time J.D. program by the beginning of the program (or the equivalent in a part-time program).

Internationalhuman rights law experience is required (academic or in the field). Waiver is possible.

Course aim

Given the realities of human rights implementation, the focus of the program will be on the challenges and practical aspects of litigation and advocacy of human rights. Students will not only learn about the field of human rights, but also about how to incorporate that knowledge into the actual work of defending human rights.

Special focus will be placed on advocacy skills such as case assessment and oral argumentation.

Credits info

7 EC
Participants can earn seven (7) ECTS credits for the successful completion of the courses and lunch seminars.

Fee info

CHF 1200: The tuition fee includes: Welcome Reception, introduction class (mandatory), choose 3 classes out of 5 available subjects, excursions to Geneva and Strasbourg, 8 lunch seminars, lunch during lunch seminars, lavish closing ceremony dinner.

The fee for accomodation is CHF 400.

Scholarships

We do offer a small number of merit based scholarships for students from developing countries or students who can show financial hardship. If you are interested, please inquire by e-mail: lucerne-academy@unilu.ch