The Hague, Netherlands

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in International Law: Human Rights and Beyond

when 25 July 2023 - 4 August 2023
language English
duration 2 weeks
fee EUR 1200

The 2022 edition will take place from Tuesday 25 July to Friday 4 August 2023 in The Hague (“the International City of Peace and Justice”), Leiden (the main seat of Leiden University), and Amsterdam (where the annual Queer & Pride events are taking place around the dates of this summer school).

The programme focuses on the emergence of SOGI and intersex issues in different areas of international law. The first week focuses on human rights issues while the second part goes beyond this field and explores topics such as refugee law and international criminal law. Some lectures will focus specifically on sexual orientation, on gender identity/expression, or on sex characteristics, while other sessions will focus on specific regions (including Africa, Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia). Special attention will be given to important test-cases that have helped to achieve some international protection against homophobia and transphobia. Themes include: global and regional human rights mechanisms, sexual and gender minorities in refugee law, protection for women and LGBTIs in international law.

Course leader

Prof. Kees Waaldijk (academic coordinator of this summer school), Professor of Comparative Sexual Orientation Law, Leiden University

Target group

Legal and other professionals in governmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as advanced students are invited to apply. Completion of at least one year of university education including several law courses is required, as is some knowledge of human rights law and SOGI issues. For participants and potential participants, a list of online video/audio/reading materials has been put together: the Leiden Overview on SOGIESC in International Law. These materials (some of which are by former and future speakers of this summer school) offer a good preparation for taking part.

Fee info

EUR 1200: The fee includes access to course materials, a certificate of participation, an information briefing at the International Criminal Court (upon availability), coffee, tea and lunches on class days, a welcome dinner and a farewell lunch.