The Hague, Netherlands

Heritage Destruction, Human Rights and International Law

when 27 August 2018 - 1 September 2018
language English
duration 1 week
fee EUR 475

Historically, heritage has always been targeted in times of conflict and transition for its symbolic value. However, the difference between historical acts of iconoclasm and the destruction of heritage sites today is that we now have a general consensus, embodied in the corpus of international law, that intentionally destroying cultural heritage is an international wrong and, except in the case of absolute military necessity, constitutes a war crime - and potentially a crime against humanity. In addition, heritage is increasingly recognised as having a strong human rights dimension.
The Summer School offers a unique opportunity to learn from well-known and influential academics and leading practitioners about international law governing heritage protection, as well as the role of international courts in prosecuting heritage destruction in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice.

Course leader

Joseph Powderly, Assistant Professor in Public International Law, Law Faculty, Leiden University
Amy Strecker, Assistant Professor in Heritage & Governance, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University

Target group

This summer school is aimed at students and professionals who would like to acquire knowledge of how heritage destruction is dealt with in international law, in times of conflict and in peace.

Course aim

This course offers a unique opportunity to acquire a solid understanding of how heritage is protected in international law, the rules governing that protection in armed conflict and in peace time; the link between heritage and human rights, and the increasing case law from international criminal courts treating heritage destruction as a war crime and as crimes against humanity. The courses are taught by some of the biggest names in the field and offers plenty of opportunities to network with fellow students and practitioners from all over the world.

Credits info

The participants will receive a certificate of participation after completion of the programme.
Furthermore, we can issue a statement regarding the amount of ECTS credits we would assign to this course, based on the number of hours in class, preparation time and assignments, keeping in mind that 1 ECTS equals 28 hours of study. Your university can then evaluate this course and decide whether they will indeed award ECTS credits.

Fee info

EUR 475: We offer a special Early Bird fee of €475 to the participants who register early before 1 April 2018. Staff and students from Leiden University and partner universities are offered a reduced fee of €475.
EUR 950: Regular fee.