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10 Human Rights Courses to Advance Your CV

International Organizations Management

This introductory online course, which is offered by University of Geneva, will focus on the United Nations – its origins, purposes, mandate, structure and activities – as the most important inter-governmental organization that coordinates global action on peace and security, humanitarian protection and human rights. The course has been specifically designed for those who are interested in, collaborate with, or work with international organizations. No prior experience or prerequisites are required.

Children’s Human Rights

Human Rights Organizations like Save the Children, SOS Children’s villages and UNICEF work specifically on advancing Children’s Human Rights around the world. In this short introductory course you will learn about the basics of Children’s Rights from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Together with other students from around the world you will discuss critical issues concerning child rights and explore successful strategies in promoting Children’s Human Rights.

Confronting Gender Based Violence

Gender-based violence is a global epidemic. In this course you will explore gender-based violence from a global health perspective and under consideration of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for responding to violence against women. You will gain insights into the epidemiology of gender-based violence, learn what psychological support looks like and what clinical care is required for survivors.

International Women’s Health and Human Rights

This course, offered by one of the world’s best universities, Stanford University, focuses on women’s health and human rights issues from infancy through old age. You will learn the the basics of women’s rights and human rights before exploring some of the most important human rights issues such as female genital mutilation, HIV/Aids, Reproductive Health, Violence Against Women, Poverty, Women in War and Refugee Settings, Poverty and Human Trafficking.

Social Norms, Social Change

This course is offered by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and Ivy League member, University of Pennsylvania. The course will specifically discuss child marriage, gender violence and sanitation practices. You will learn about effective policy interventions aimed to create new, beneficial norms or eliminate harmful ones.

International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice

Although International humanitarian law and international human rights law are two distinct bodies of law, they are complementary, and both concerned with upholding human dignity and protecting life. In this course you will gain insight into the rules that govern armed conflict and aim to mitigate human suffering on the battlefield. You will find out which rules apply to the civil war in Syria, the military intervention in Ukraine and the occupation of the West Bank.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, the UN launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopted by 193 member states, the goals represent an important international step in setting humanity on a trajectory towards sustainable development. The course is designed and taught by Professor Katherine Richardson, who is a member of the 15-person panel appointed by the UN General Secretary to write the 2019 Global Sustainable Development Report.

International Law in Action

International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes is an online course offered by Universiteit Leiden in the Netherlands through the university’s Grotius Centre for International Studies. This course provides an insider perspective into the work of international criminal courts and tribunals. You will learn about the investigation and prosecution of international crimes in The Hague.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace is an online course offered by the University of Pittsburgh. The class can be beneficial for anyone who wants to understand issues related to sex, gender, sexuality, and LGBTQIA rights in the work place, so that they can foster and champion diversity and inclusion in their places of business.

The United Nations in the World

In this course you will learn about important UN themes, key functions of UN bodies such as the UN Security Council and develop skills related to analysis, communication and policy. Together with learners from around the world you will discuss human rights in international politics, how the UN responds to crisis and current UN affairs. The course is offered by two leading university, SOAS and University of London.

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Human Rights Careers

Human Rights Careers (HRC) provides information about online courses, jobs, paid internships, masters degrees, scholarships and other opportunities in the human rights sector and related areas.