Human Rights Law

 

Faculty Organizer:

Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLPS)

 

Duration:

10 Days


Location:

Main Campus - FLPS Building, FLPS 1.02


Start Date:

July 1, 2024


End Date:

July 12, 2024

 
Overview:

The camp caters to students, early-career individuals, and professionals interested in International Human Rights Law (IHRL). It offers courses and seminars covering fundamental IHRL principles and their applications in Lebanon. Topics include child rights, women's rights, refugee rights, criminal justice, and civic space. Interactive workshops cover specialized skills such as argumentation for lawyers, essay drafting, and strategic litigation, providing practical, real-world applicable knowledge.


Daily Schedule:

Start Time: 2:00 PM

End Time: 6:00 PM


Suggested Program:

Day 1: General Background on IHRL

- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Introduction and Camp Overview (Fadi Hachem, LLM)
- 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Introduction to IHRL (Fadi Hachem, LLM)
- 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Coffee Break
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Human Rights and the Lebanese Constitution (Lara Saadeh)
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Group Discussion on Human Rights and the Constitution (Lara Saadeh)

Day 2: Fundamental Concepts of IHRL

- 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Justification of IHRL (Fadi Hachem, LLM) 
- 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Coffee Break
- 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Protection Systems of Human Rights (Myriam Wheibeh, LLM)
- 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Debate Session on Balancing Human Rights and Culture (Fadi Hachem, LLM)


Day 3: Human Rights and Criminal Justice

- 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Arrest procedures, rights upon arrest, and the article 47, Right to fair trial are integral components of International Human Rights Law (IHRL). Alongside, understanding facts and figures on prisons in Lebanon, including adherence to MANDELA rules, Lebanese Laws, and IHRL principles on prisoners’ rights, provides a comprehensive view of the human rights landscape concerning detention and incarceration in the country. (Prof. Raja Abi Nader)

- 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Coffee Break
- 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Facts and Figures on Torture in Lebanon, the International Convention against Torture (CAT) and Lebanese Laws (Prof. Raja Abi Nader)
- 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Q&A and Closing of Session

 

Day 4: International Refugee Law and Migrant Domestic Workers

- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring the history of population movements, including migrants, immigrants, internally displaced persons, and refugees, sheds light on the complexities of human displacement. Understanding the universal standards outlined in the Geneva Convention, defining refugees and establishing the role of the UNHCR, provides a foundational framework for addressing refugee crises globally. Specifically, delving into the Syrian Refugee Crisis, examining its factual data and numerical impact, highlights the urgent need for humanitarian response and international cooperation. (Josiane Noun, Norwegian Refugee Council)

- 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Coffee Break
- 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Exploring migration patterns in the Middle East, particularly focusing on migrant workers in Lebanon, offers insight into the region's socio-economic dynamics. Understanding the legal framework of Lebanon's KAFALA system from a national perspective is crucial for grasping the intricacies of labor migration policies and their implications for migrant workers' rights and welfare. (Myriam Wheibeh, LLM)

 

Day 5: Women’s Rights

- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Providing an overview of women's rights in International Human Rights Law (IHRL), including key international treaties and conventions, emphasizes the importance of gender equality principles and the promotion of women's rights globally. Additionally, showcasing the National Commission for Lebanese Women, delineating its role, functions, and mission, along with a review of Lebanese laws related to women's rights, highlights efforts towards gender equity at both national and international levels. (Rita Rached Salameh, NCLW)

- 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Coffee Break
- 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Discussion on gender-based discrimination in Lebanon (Rita Rached Salameh, NCLW)

- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Group Work: Case studies illustrating legal challenges and successes. (Rita Rached Salameh, NCLW)

 

Day 6: Child Rights

- 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Presentation of the Convention of the Rights of the Child. Facts and figures on Child rights in Lebanon. Law 422/2002 and what is missing? Child Tribunals, Prisons and Detention Centers. Q&A from participants. (Bassima Roumani, Himaya)

- 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Coffee Break
- 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM: What are the principles of legal protection? (Bassima Roumani, Himaya)

- 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM: Group Work: how can each protect child rights in their own work? (Bassima Roumani, Himaya)

- 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM: Presentation of group work and discussion. (Bassima Roumani, Himaya)

 

Day 7: Civic Space and Limitations

- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Examining fundamental rights such as Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Assembly, and Freedom of Religion and Belief provides insight into the democratic fabric of a society. Additionally, understanding the Right of Elections and Principles of Democracy and Rule of Law underscores the essential elements of governance and citizen participation. Furthermore, considering Facts and Figures on Lebanon offers a contextual understanding of the country's socio-political landscape, contributing to informed discussions on human rights and governance. (Layal Sakr, Esq)

- 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Coffee Break
- 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM: What are the principles of legal protection? (Bassima Roumani, Himaya)

- 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM: Limitations, Derogations and Violations of Human Rights. Preparation of assessment work. (Fadi Hachem, LLM)

- 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM: Group work: limitations, derogations and violations. (Fadi Hachem, LLM)

 

Day 8: Tools of Advocacy for Lawyers: Strategic Litigation and the UPR System

- 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Strategic Litigation: Definition, goals, what makes it different from other types of litigation? Elements and steps towards building a strategic litigation case. Supporting tools for strategic litigation. Strategic litigation on the international level – case studies. (Lama Sakr, LLM)

- 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Coffee Break
- 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM: Introduction to the Universal Periodic Review Process as a tool for Human Rights Advocacy. (Josiane Noun, Norwegian Refugee Council)

- 4:45 PM - 5:15 PM: Group Work – UPR Drafting. (Josiane Noun, Norwegian Refugee Council)

- 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM: Presentation of Work in Groups and Conclusion. (Josiane Noun, Norwegian Refugee Council)

 

Day 9: Formulation of Arguments for Lawyers and Assessment Presentation

- 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM: Formulation of arguments for lawyers in human rights. (Fadi Hachem, LLM)

- 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM: Finalization of Assessment. (Fadi Hachem, LLM)
- 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM: Presentation of Assessment – Group Work. (Fadi Hachem, LLM)

- 4:15 PM - 6:00 PM: How much are politics involved in Human Rights? And Q&A. (Georges Ghali, MA, ALEF – Act for Human Rights President)

 

Day 10: Closing Lectures and Closing of Camp

- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Human Rights and the Digital Age

- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Human Rights, Poverty and Sustainable Development
- 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Coffee Break

- 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Distribution of Certificates, Evaluation and Closing Ceremony

 

Participants:

Open to all interested candidates, NGOs, etc.

 

Outcome:

Participants in the camp will significantly augment their understanding of International Human Rights Law (IHRL). They will acquire in-depth perspectives on specific IHRL topics and their relevance to the unique context of Lebanon. The emphasis is not solely on theoretical comprehension; rather, participants will develop practical skills in utilizing legal frameworks within the realm of human rights. This camp offers a valuable opportunity for attendees to meet and engage with numerous experts in the field. The interactive nature of the sessions enables participants to have meaningful interactions with these experts, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences. Ultimately, the camp aims to empower participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights, equipping them to navigate the complexities of human rights issues effectively.


Trainers:

Dr. Dany Samaha, Dean FLPS. 


Certificate of Completion:

Upon successfully completing the camp, participants will receive a certificate of attendance.  


Fees:

The fee for the camp is USD 650. Payment is required at the NDU Business Office in Zouk Mosbeh before July 2, 2024, or via online payment as decided by the University by June 23, 2024. This fee covers snacks and refreshments. The initial payment is 50%, to be made upon registration and is non-refundable.


Contact Information:

Eugénie Azar 

Telephone: +961 9 218 950 ext. 2414

 

Registration Link