Human Rights in Theory and Practice | Live ONLINE Virtual classes
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- Curriculum
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Course Description
This intensive 8-week live course offers a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the theory, politics, and practice of international human rights. You will explore the philosophical and historical origins of human rights, critically examine landmark debates such as universalism vs. cultural relativism, individual vs. collective rights, and North-South tensions, and analyze how human rights norms are promoted, contested, and implemented globally.
Through lively discussions and real-world case studies, you will assess the roles of key actors in the human rights field, including the United Nations, regional courts, NGOs, governments, and corporations. The course also tackles pressing 21st-century challenges like mass atrocities, climate displacement, digital surveillance, corporate accountability, and the rise of authoritarianism.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Trace the historical and philosophical foundations of human rights from both Western and non-Western perspectives.
- Critically assess debates on universality vs. cultural relativism and individual vs. collective rights.
- Explain the global human rights system (UN, regional courts, ICC, NGOs) and its strengths and limitations.
- Analyze the intersection of human rights with foreign policy, development, security, and technology.
- Evaluate responses to human rights crises, such as genocide, torture, refugee crises, and emerging issues like AI and climate justice.
- Apply human rights frameworks to contemporary cases and develop evidence-based advocacy arguments.
Why Enroll Now?
In an era marked by democratic backsliding, climate crises, and technological disruption, understanding human rights is essential. This course equips you with the intellectual tools and practical insights to analyze, advocate, and act.
- Limited seats — maximum 15 learners per cohort.
- Minimum 10 participants required to run the course.
- Next cohort starts January 8, 2026 .
Questions? Email info@gadaedu.com for more information about the course, schedule options, or enrollment process.
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Week 1 | Conceptual & Historical Foundations-
Core principles, natural law, Enlightenment thought, non-Western perspectives (Ubuntu, Islamic, Confucian, Indigenous).
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Universalism vs. cultural relativism, post-WWII breakthroughs, and decolonization.
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Week 2 | The Global Human Rights System
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UN Charter, UDHR, ICCPR & ICESCR, treaty bodies, Universal Periodic Review, Special Rapporteurs, and regional systems (Europe, Americas, Africa, emerging Asia).
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Week 3 | Civil-Political vs. Economic-Social-Cultural Rights
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Key covenants in-depth, progressive realization, justiciability debates, relationship with SDGs and development.
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Week 4 | Mass Atrocities & International Justice
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Genocide Convention, crimes against humanity, Responsibility to Protect (R2P), International Criminal Court, and case studies (historical and contemporary).
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Week 5 | Humanitarian Law & Armed Conflict
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Geneva Conventions, distinction between International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and human rights law, torture prohibition, and contemporary armed conflicts.
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Week 6 | Vulnerable Groups & Thematic Rights
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Refugees and displaced persons, women’s rights, Indigenous peoples, racial discrimination, human rights defenders, LGBTI+ rights.
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Week 7 | Human Rights in the 21st Century
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Business & human rights (UN Guiding Principles), digital rights and surveillance, climate displacement, AI and automation, global health equity.
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Week 8 | Practice, Advocacy & the Future
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Human rights in foreign policy, sanctions, diplomacy, activism strategies, role of NGOs and grassroots movements, closing debate, and personal action plans.
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How You’ll Learn
- 16 hours of live, interactive Zoom classes (recorded for flexibility).
- Small cohort (maximum 15 participants) for meaningful discussions and personalized attention.
- Weekly case-study workshops, simulations, and breakout debates.
- Curated readings and multimedia resources for deeper learning.
- A global classroom: Learn alongside participants from all over the world.
- Direct access to an experienced instructor with both academic and fieldwork expertise.
This course is perfect for both beginners and intermediate learners—no prior knowledge required. — open to participants worldwide
Who Should Enroll?
- Beginners curious about human rights and global justice.
- University students in law, political science, international relations, or sociology.
- NGO workers, activists, and policy professionals seeking deeper theoretical grounding.
- Journalists, diplomats, and corporate responsibility officers.
- Lifelong learners interested in understanding current global issues through a human rights lens.
- Career changers exploring international development, humanitarian aid, or advocacy.No prerequisites — open to participants worldwide
