Lucerne Academy for Human Rights Implementation

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.

Courses: The participants attend different classes focused exclusively on human rights law of the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN Covenants on Human Rights, in which they gain necessary theoretical knowledge. The classes are taught by distinguished professors and practitioners from around the globe.

Lunch Seminars: During Lunch Seminars the participants have the chance to learn from distinguished practitioners how to work with and implement human rights. The students will receive first-hand knowledge of current human rights issues and discuss possible solutions.

Excursions: In Geneva, the participants will visit the European Headquarters of the United Nations, as well as various NGOs. In Strasbourg the participants will visit the seat of the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe. During the excursions, the participants interact with important NGO’s and officials and acquire insight into the practice of human rights implementation.

Course leader

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

Target group

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

Applicants must generally satisfy the following requirements:

You must either be a practitioner or an advanced law student.

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.
CHF 400: The fee for accomodation in Lucerne (2 weeks) 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