Legal Education Programs

Global Institute for Human Rights

Virtual Certificate Program

June 2021 (Dates TBC) | Weekdays, 10am to 1:00pm (ET)

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Application Process Closed for 2020

              
                Calling All Change Agents —

                Two weeks of online engagement can help to change the world.

Who Should Apply

The Global Institute is tailored to undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in human rights, public policy, political office, and global justice. It is also welcomes applications from young professionals in education, public policy, government, business, and the non-profit sector with an interest in, but limited background with issues involving human rights. All students who complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.

Why You Should Attend

Explore the Impact the COVID-19 Pandemic will likely have on Human Rights
Perhaps there is no greater challenge at this time than the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which will have a significant impact on all human rights, and intersectional identities, including women, persons with disabilities, racial minorities, indigenous populations, migrant workers, prison populations and low income populations. Recently, the UN Secretary-General stated that the pandemic is unleashing a ‘tsunami of hate.’

              Unique Chance to Learn from Experienced Practitioners in the Field

              The Institute brings experienced human rights advocates and practitioners from around the world to share their experiences and career paths with students.

              Theory blended with the Examination of Developing Trends in Human Rights

              This program is designed to increase your understanding of human rights theory through a blend of interactive lectures that explore the most current and pressing human rights issues.

              Discover How Human Rights Intersects with Other Careers

              The sessions help to uncover the ways that human rights advocacy can intersect with your career aspirations, whether in law, policy, business, or other fields.

              Opportunity to Network with Peers & Fellow Advocates

              Learn from the shared experiences of fellow students from around the globe and expand your network of human rights advocates leading change both near and far.

              A Gateway towards Becoming an Effective Leader & Advocate for Human Rights

              The Institute is designed to transform students into becoming the next generation of human rights scholars, practitioners, and leaders. Past students of the Institute have gone on to lead impactful advocacy work in different parts of the world, including Latin America and the Middle East, as well have gone on to attend law school, including the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.

Curriculum

The Global Institute for Human Rights offers an immersive, course of study aimed at undergraduate and graduate students passionate about a career in human rights advocacy, or just looking to enhance their awareness on such topics as women’s rights and the basic rights of migrants and refugees. The Institute is unique compared to traditional academic studies of human rights, as the focus of this program is on bringing working human rights advocates from around the world to the table to share their experiences and career paths with the next generation of human rights advocates. The Institute locates human rights as foundational to leadership. The bedrock principles of the human rights agenda is the bulwark of global citizenship.

Lecturers for the 2020 Institute*

*Lecturers subject to change.

Program Fee*

TBC

*Program fee includes all lectures and course materials.

In the event that a program is cancelled by the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, all paid registration fees would be reimbursed.

Application Deadlines

Enrollment will open and information about the 2021 Global Institute will be available in Fall 2020.

Admission will be granted on a rolling basis, but we encourage everyone interested to apply as early as possible as there are a limited number of spots available in the program.

Application Process

Admission into this program is based upon the background and materials submitted via the formal, online application process. The application fee for the program is $50.

Complete instructions for submitting an application can found on the Application Instructions page.

Scholarship Opportunity & Financial Aid

The Institute is offering two full-tuition scholarships to eligible students, as well as a limited amount of financial aid to qualified applicants. For more information on applying for financial aid, please visit the Application Instructions page.

Contact Us

Questions about the Institute, application process, and admissions can be directed to GIHR@law.upenn.edu .

Academic Director

Rangita de Silva de Alwis is the Associate Dean for International Programs at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. She is an esteemed women’s human rights scholar and practitioner with over 25 years of experience working globally in over 25 countries. Rangita has worked with a vast network of academic institutions, governments, and non-government entities on women’s human rights law, policy making, and institutional reform.

Listen to Rangita de Silva de Alwis in conversation with Agnes Callamard, UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions to discuss human rights in the time of COVID-19.