International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

The special character of the program International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law lies in its integration of the protection of human rights generally with rights protection in diverse situations of armed conflict.

Thus many aspects of the program are directed specifically to providing understanding and insight into the links between tradition international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

As well, the program aims not only to provide a solid theoretical understanding of the issues, principles, structures, substantive law and institutions relevant to this topic but also to aid students in acquiring reliable practical skills in the application of their theoretical knowledge:

• comprehensive knowledge of the system of protection of the individual spanning both the international law of peace and the international law of armed conflict, including the philosophical, political and historical foundations of that system
• in-depth knowledge of legally binding international rights and guarantees and their protection and enforcement under various legal remedial regimes
• practical skills in applying international standards of protection in specific circumstances, in particular in international court proceedings and other institutional procedures, the investigation of facts, or conflict resolution
• skills and procedures in undertaking academic investigation and research including the preparation of reports
• intercultural communication and transfer of knowledge

The Master's program is open to graduates with sufficient background in law, especially those from central, eastern and south-eastern Europe, but also from other regions of the world.

The program is constructed to meet the needs of people seeking to establish or develop a career in field of the human rights or in related fields whether on the governmental or private level, both internationally, regionally or nationally, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and in the military, defence and policing sectors. Its primary appeal is to relatively recent graduates who have already commenced working in the relevant area. However, those who have had longer experience in the field wishing to develop, deepen or update their theoretical knowledge or acquire additional skills will benefit from the program. In addition, those pursuing and academic career (for example, prospective or current doctoral students or aspiring university teachers) will find the program equally useful.

Students are selected for the program competitively based on their university grades, previous experience and motivation. Sufficient ability in the English language is required. At least basic knowledge of public international law is also necessary for enrolment (in certain circumstances this requirement may be satisfied by taking a bridging course in public international law at the Viadrina European University before the commencement of the formal course program).