Introduction: The Advanced Human Rights Courses (AHRC) consist of a series of intensive advanced short courses of 1 week covering the most important aspects of human rights. The courses take place in the Centre for Human Rights, which is both an academic department of the University of Pretoria and a non-governmental organisation. The main goal of the Centre is to advocate for human rights in Africa and also to develop educational training programmes for individuals working in the field of human rights. In 2006, the centre was awarded the UNESCO Prize for Human Rights education proving the professionalism of its staff and also the Centre’s commitment to strengthen human rights in the region.
Objectives: Overall, the main goal of these intensive short courses is to support those working in the fields of human rights and to improve their theoretical and technical knowledge by offering a series of tailored courses targeting very specific issues concerning the advancement of human rights. The trainings cover the areas of peace building and accountability, minority rights, gender mainstreaming, children’s rights, advocacy, the right to development, sexual minority rights, and comparative perspectives on human rights among others.
Venue: The Centre for Human Rights in the University of Pretoria (South Africa).
Dates: The Centre offers at least 1 new course every month; the complete list of planned courses until the end of 2014 can be found here
Eligibility: All the courses are designed for senior government officials, legal practitioners, managers and staff of human rights institutions, NGOs, inter-governmental organisations, academic and other interested parties. Although these courses target individuals from Africa and South Africa, courses are also open to international participants.
Why it is important for NGOs to attend it: Individuals working in the fields of human rights in Africa and beyond are given the opportunity to advance their theoretical and practical knowledge in a highly professional environment. Course leaders are established academics with long teaching experience. Given the acclaimed status of the Center, participants will also have the possibility to study in a center of excellence, to meet members of staff involved in human rights advocacy in Africa, and also to network with other individuals working in the region and in different spheres such as the NGO sector but also governmental offices. As such, participants will have the possibility to exchange experience and ideas in a vibrant and inspiring environment.
Fees: Certain courses are offered free of charge while other courses have a registration fee. It is worth considering that the Center offers a limited number of scholarships to assist those willing to enroll in a course with registration fees. For instance, the “Children’s rights in Africa” course (4-8 November 2013) costs $450. The fee covers tuition, course material, teas and lunches although it excludes transport and accommodation. Whereas the “Role of men and boys in achieving gender equality” course (28 October- 1 November 2013) is offered free of charge. Also the hosts will cover part of the travel expenses, accommodation and tuition. Applicants wishing to enrol in a course with registration fees and applying for a scholarship must clearly state their wish to be considered for the scholarship in the online application form. Candidates are expected to provide evidence to substantiate their claims for financial support. The scholarship does not cover airfare.
Application deadlines: Applicants must submit their applications at least 1 month before the starting of the course. Candidates will be selected on the basis of their past achievements and background knowledge. Also, candidates will be assessed against their potential to make use of what learnt during the course to improve the life of disadvantaged communities.
How to apply: Candidates must fill in the online application, here. In addition to the application form, you will be asked to submit a short CV, 1 letter of recommendation, your employer’s authorization (when applicable) or your academic records (if you are a student).
