International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)

Overview

This International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law program at European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) embraces the full range of international law responses to human rights challenges and of the measures and systems for the protection of the individual in the most diverse political, social, economic, geographical and military situations. The teaching faculty for the degree program consists of highly qualified human rights teachers and experts from many different countries and varied academic traditions.

The Master’s course contains a significant practical component aimed at providing a bridge between academic study of human rights and later professional activity, thus allowing flexible and wide career choice. The international spread and experience of the teaching staff and their contacts to many institutions internationally provide a secure base for diverse human rights internship and career opportunities.

Aims of the program

The Master’s program prepares graduates for taking up career opportunities in policy making, international, public and governmental service, public and private legal practice, work for non-governmental organisations, and academic teaching and research.

The special character of the program 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.

Particular importance is placed on the development and promotion of the following:

• 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, particularly in relation to (but not limited to) the countries of central, eastern and south-eastern Europe.