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Utrecht University

Human Rights for Open Societies

Human rights are under pressure in many places across the globe. Peaceful protests are violently quashed. Voting is tampered with. And minorities are often excluded from decision-making. All of this threatens the ideal of an open society in which each of us can be free and participate equally. A solid protection of human rights is needed for an open society to exist and to flourish. But it is often an uphill battle to work towards that ideal. Equip yourself and learn more about what human rights are and how they work. In this course, we will introduce you to one of the world’s most intricate human rights systems: the European Convention on Human Rights. You will see when and how people can turn to the European Court of Human Rights to complain about human rights violations. You will learn how the Court tries to solve many of the difficult human rights dilemmas of today. We will look, amongst other things, at the freedom of expression and demonstration, the right to vote, and the prohibition of discrimination. And we will address the rights of migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups. And, of course, we will see whether it is possible to restrict rights and if so under what conditions. You will even encounter watchdogs and ice cream in this course. We invite you to follow us on a journey of discovery into the European Convention!

Status: Social Justice
Status: Immigration Law
BeginnerCourse14 hours

Featured reviews

SS

5.0Reviewed May 8, 2020

Through these course I came to learn a lot of important things and got a lot of knowledge about ECHR.

TZ

5.0Reviewed Mar 20, 2017

I really like this subject, it comprehend my knowledge especially about human rights. Thank you.

P

5.0Reviewed Sep 4, 2019

very comprehensive and the professors talk very cleary, easy to understand!Love from Vietnam - Cảm Ơn

DM

5.0Reviewed Jun 11, 2017

Very good to find out the basics. What are human rights, what they represent and in which way we should interpret them. Also, it has an easy language so you don't need law school or other studies.

JM

5.0Reviewed May 6, 2020

I personally like this course, if you really wish to know about human rights prefer this course only.

GB

5.0Reviewed Nov 4, 2022

I have sent review feedback for more than 6 peers. So, I suggest the feedback of week 6 reflection assignment.

SK

5.0Reviewed Dec 7, 2020

In this course of Europeen Convenction of human rights i learned valuable basic knowledge that open our eyes about our rights and how to defend . That we need in our life . Thanks a lot

RP

5.0Reviewed Jun 26, 2022

I am really thankful to Utrecht University for providing me with an opportunity to learn this course. I am hopeful that this is going to help me further in my new career path. Thank you so much.

LP

5.0Reviewed Mar 3, 2021

really interesting course with good and clear teaching sessions + well completed with exercises

MG

5.0Reviewed Oct 13, 2020

Valuable source of information about Human Rights, I hope to be part of another course from you on the future!

SG

5.0Reviewed Jun 19, 2017

This has been a great introduction to the European Convention and Court of Human Rights. It has really helped deepen understanding of the treaty and how the court functions.

JV

5.0Reviewed Nov 8, 2022

Very knowledgeable and interesting introduction on the human rights and application of European convention on human rights. Highly recommended.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 156

Dorin Cristian Minea
5.0
Reviewed Jun 12, 2017
Sana Kerillos
5.0
Reviewed Dec 8, 2020
Shaima Ifthikar
5.0
Reviewed May 31, 2020
María Isabel Puerta
5.0
Reviewed Oct 19, 2017
Shabana Gulma
5.0
Reviewed Jun 19, 2017
Johan Alberts
5.0
Reviewed Jun 20, 2017
Daria Sanina
5.0
Reviewed May 11, 2020
Theoneste MANIRAREBA
5.0
Reviewed Feb 21, 2021
Tofail Ahamed
5.0
Reviewed Sep 28, 2019
Mustafa Hasan
4.0
Reviewed Apr 5, 2017
Kaat Al
5.0
Reviewed May 27, 2023
Gonca Åž
5.0
Reviewed Dec 15, 2020
Saad Gul
5.0
Reviewed Nov 27, 2025
Alaa Ashraf
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Reviewed Nov 6, 2024
Russell Blackford
5.0
Reviewed Nov 10, 2020
Judith Preston
5.0
Reviewed May 23, 2022
sara alnashawati
5.0
Reviewed Mar 25, 2018
Consie Lozano
5.0
Reviewed Dec 30, 2016
Luca Gatto
5.0
Reviewed Mar 2, 2020
Giulianna Lopérgolo Aguiar
5.0
Reviewed Dec 18, 2020