Human rights litigation has profound implications for those bringing and defending cases. Human rights cases impact upon the rule of law and evolving public policy in the country concerned and their consequences can be felt regionally and around the world. Ensuring that human rights litigation is effective is, therefore, essential. Yet, human rights litigation requires its own particular skills and expertise. Knowledge of the international human rights framework is vital, but so too is an understanding of the principles and techniques which bring rights to life. Equally important is how, effectively and tactically, to bring, or defend, a case.
This seminar aims to assist in improving the quality of human rights litigation. It is designed to give lawyers and others who are involved in human rights litigation the relevant knowledge and skills to bring or defend such cases. Whilst being practically focussed on the art of litigation, it gives participants up to date information on developing trends in international human rights case law and an understanding of the international and regional systems for protecting human rights. The seminar also examines the role of international human rights standards within domestic legal systems.
The main topics covered include:
- human rights in context: the International framework
- working with human rights: understanding their application
- new frontiers in human rights protection:
- litigating environmental rights and the right to development
- unlocking human rights: effective education and access to information
- the role of judges in protecting human rights
- key themes in litigating human rights
The seminar offers participants the opportunity to share information, knowledge and experience from their own countries. It is designed to foster the exchange of practice and experience between participants and contributors through lectures, panel discussions, debates, exercises and role-play. During the seminar there will be a visit to legal London, which will include visiting courts and tribunals and the Houses of Parliament.
This seminar is aimed at lawyers and those that bring and defend human rights cases, including staff working in legal advice centres, lawyers attached to NGOs and government lawyers. The seminar will also be of interest to judges and magistrates, academics and legal policy makers, as well as those involved in legal education and professional law associations.
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