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Ensuring lasting impact: co-teaching modules at the Moldova State University

As part of our ongoing cooperation with the Moldova State University (MSU), the Global Campus of Human Rights continues supporting the consolidation of the recently established human rights education courses at the MSU Faculty of Law.   As a follow up to the 2023-24 project “Development of Human and Children Rights Education at MSU”, this month our chief trainers Dr Chiara Altafin and Dr Wiebke Lamer joined as co-lecturers in the “Master’s Program in Public Law and E-Governance.”   The activity was implemented following the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding between MSU, GC, and GC Caucasus Campus, aimed at building and strengthening internationalization, local know-how, tool and skills for the mainstreaming of human rights subjects, with a focus on children’s rights, at the country’s most established university.   Specifically, one of the key outcomes of this partnership has been a curriculum revision conducted by a pool of local lecturers in collaboration with the GC Capacity Development team. This process has led to the creation of two new disciplines added to the Master’s program at the Faculty of Law: Child Rights Protection in the International and European frameworks, designed and implemented under the supervision of Dr Altafin, and Human Rights and IT Regulation, designed and implemented under the supervision of Dr Lamer, both piloted during the 2023-24 academic year.   The creation of new and English-taught human rights education courses is a crucial step that has allowed for the integration of Moldova State University in the GC Caucasus Regional Master’s programme, as well as in the GC association as its youngest member. The Global Campus remains committed to continue the fruitful cooperation with Moldova State University in the future.   (Photo credit: Moldova State University)   This project is part of the GC Capacity Development programme. For more information contact adriano.remiddi@gchumanrights.org and vukasin.pajovic@gchumanrights.org

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Call for applications: join the 2nd cohort of “Authoring Justice”  

Building on the first successful edition last year, we are now accepting applications for the 2025 cohort of our specialised online course “Authoring Justice”.    Led by Prof. Andrew Leon Hanna, award-winning author of 25 Million Sparks: The Untold Story of Refugee Entrepreneurs (Cambridge University Press) and renowned entrepreneur, the course is designed for those who wish to write a long-form work or book that not only informs but also inspires action and transformation. In particular, we are looking for prospective authors from diverse backgrounds, nationalities and experiences who are keen on writing narrative non-fiction on a variety of human rights issues: from climate justice to gender equality; from peace mediation to juvenile justice, and beyond.    “The written word has the power to spark change and advance human rights in communities all around the world,” says Prof. Andrew Leon Hanna. “In this course, we’ll explore storytelling techniques that honour marginalised voices, challenge unjust narratives, and foster greater mutual understanding. By the end, participants will have a draft ready for publication or for use in a book proposal, as well as the tools to amplify their message.”     Students will learn from video lectures prepared by Prof. Hanna, read excerpts from impactful non-fiction works and participate in 6 live webinars where they will hear from top international authors and publishers who will share their firsthand experiences and invaluable writing tips. Confirmed guests so far include award-winning authors Casey Gerald and Jemma Neville and 2024 Publisher of the Year Joel Rickett. During the course, participants will submit a draft outline, a synopsis and a ~2,000-word work for personalised review and feedback by Prof. Hanna. These final written works will be published in the Global Campus of Human Rights Magazine and Open Knowledge Repository.    This course offers a transformative experience, as testified by Saugat Pokharel, a participant in the first cohort who went to on to get his work published – both online and in print – in a national outlet in Nepal: “I’m incredibly grateful to the dedicated team at the Global Campus of Human Rights for their unwavering support and for the detailed editing that went into making this journey possible!”    At the Global Campus of Human Rights, we are proud of each and all who attended the first edition and can’t wait to welcome the second cohort. “It’s wonderful to see course participants learn how to emphasize what truly matters,” says Dr. Angela Melchiorre, E-Learning Manager at the Global Campus of Human Rights. “Witnessing their learning journey and the progress in their writing gives us hope that human rights and justice are still very much valued as the keys to a world based on dignity and humanity.”  The course will run fully online between 12 May – 20 July 2025, mostly in asynchronous mode but with weekly live webinars.   For more information on the programme and how to apply, visit the course webpage.     

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GC Annual Report 2024: “Persistence of Frontline Human Rights Educators”

Human rights are a testament to our deep rooted belief that dignity, equality, and justice should be the fundament of our societies. In a world marked by shifting landscapes of conflict, technological disruptions, and environmental crises, the resilience of the very concept of human rights remains a cornerstone of hope. This Annual Report 2024, “Persistence of Frontline Human Rights Educators,” captures our belief in the transformative power of rights-based approaches to create meaningful change in lives and communities.   Our vision is grounded in the understanding that human rights are not static declarations but dynamic principles that evolve with time and challenges. From digital innovation to ecological preservation, from empowering youth to amplifying the voices of the marginalised, our mission is to stand firm at the intersection of education and advocacy. It is here, on the frontline, where we support new generations to confront the barriers to justice and develop pathways for sustainable and inclusive progress.   This year, our work is strongly guided by a spirit of collaboration and creativity. Through education, storytelling, and capacity building, we continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. We honour the determination of individuals and communities who, in the face of adversity, continue their fight for a fairer and more equitable world.   As you explore this report, we invite you to join us in reflecting on our journey throughout the year 2024. Let it be a call to action and a reminder that defending human rights is not just a duty but an expression of our collective humanity. Together, we can ensure that human rights remain at the frontline — steadfast, unyielding, and ever more relevant in the years to come.   “We decided to dedicate our Annual Report 2024 to the Persistence of Frontline Human Rights Educators. The recent experiences of the Global Campus of Human Rights as the world’s largest network on postgraduate human rights education give testimony to the many difficulties we are confronted with and our persistence to nevertheless continue our eight Master’s programmes and other activities”. – Manfred Nowak   Enjoy the reading of the Annual Report 2024 and reach us for any question you may have on our activities. GC Repository: https://doi.org/10.25330/2791  communications@gchumanrights.org #GCHumanRights #HumanRightsEducation        

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GC Online Conversations: “The importance of education and sports to embrace peace at the local and international level”

>> VERSIONE IN ITALIANO A SEGUIRE << You are cordially invited to join us for the 8th Global Campus of Human Rights Online Conversation. The conversation will take place on Tuesday 8 April 2025 at 11 am (CET) via zoom.   THEME “The importance of education and sports to embrace peace at the local and international level” #IDSDP2025 #sport4humanrights   We believe that higher education must be at the center of a sustainable future for the world and for the city of Venice. It could become one of the driving forces amidst this period of time, both for our local and global community. Now we are also exploring the links and sinergies with the culture of sports that lead to concrete actions.   SPEAKERS Andrea Tomaello, Deputy Major of the City of Venice Diego Vecchiato, Specialist in Techniques for the Protection of Human Rights (UniPadova) and President of the Panathlon Club Venezia Friso Roscam Abbing, EU Fundamental Rights Agency Guido Battaglia, Centre for Sports and Human Rights Roberto Daneo, Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation Presilia Mpanu-Mpanu, Social & Environmental Sustainability Expert at UEFA 2024/2025 student representatives of the European Master for Human Rights and Democratisation, EMA (Global Campus Europe) Moderator: Director Elisabetta Noli   The opening welcome words will be done by representatives of the local authorities and the Secretary General of the Global Campus of Human Rights.   This event will be translated into Italian and English and animated with live illustrations.   Click here to register.   ABOUT THE CONVERSATIONS   The Global Campus of Human Rights wants to provide a space for exchanging views on the possible futures of Venice, and to do so is organising a series of “Global Campus of Human Rights Conversations” which are taking place as short one-hour online discussions since 2020.   These conversations provide an opportunity for local partners, the government authorities, our staff, professors, alumni and students, to actively participate in the discussion on the future development of the city of Venice, which hosts the headquarters of the Global Campus of Human Rights: the Monastery of San Nicolò (Venice Lido).   For more information, please contact: pressoffice@gchumanrights.org or communications@gchumanrights.org *** L’Ufficio Stampa del Global Campus of Human Rights vi invita a partecipare all’ottava “Online Global Campus Conversation” che si svolgerà via Zoom martedì 8 Aprile 2025 dalle ore 11:00 alle 12:00 (CET).   IL TEMA “L’importanza dell’educazione e dello sport per abbracciare la pace a livello locale ed internazionale” #IDSDP2025 #sport4humanrights   Crediamo che l’istruzione superiore debba essere al centro di un futuro sostenibile per il mondo e per la città di Venezia. Può diventare una delle forze trainanti in questo periodo, sia per la nostra comunità locale che globale. Adesso ricerchiamo sul collegamento e sulle sinergie tra l’educazione e la cultura dello sport, e come possano arrivare ad azioni concrete.   I RELATORI Andrea Tomaello, Vice-sindaco della Città di Venezia Diego Vecchiato, Specialista in Teniche di Protezione e Tutela dei Diritti Umani (UniPadova) e Presidente del Panathlon Club Venezia Friso Roscam Abbing, EU FRA Agency Guido Battaglia, Centre for Human Rights and Sports Roberto Daneo, Rappresentante della Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 Presilia Mpanu-Mpanu, Esperta di Sostenibilità Sociale e Ambientale, UEFA Rappresentanti degli studenti del nostro Master Europeo in Diritti Umani e Democratizzazione (EMA – Global Campus Europe) per l’anno accademico 2024/2025 Moderatrice: Direttrice Elisabetta Noli   Le parole di benvenuto saranno da parte delle autorità locali e il Segretario Generale del Global Campus of Human Rights.   Questo evento verrà tradotto in italiano e inglese, e animato con illustrazioni live.   Clicca qui per registarti al webinar.   LE CONVERSAZIONI Il Global Campus of Human Rights vuole fornire uno spazio per lo scambio di opinioni sui possibili futuri di Venezia, e per farlo sta organizzando una serie di “Global Campus of Human Rights Conversations”, brevi discussioni online della durata di un’ora, dall’anno 2020.   Queste conversazioni forniscono un’occasione per partner locali, governo, staff, professori, alumni e studenti, di partecipare attivamente alla discussione sullo sviluppo futuro della città di Venezia, città che ospita la sede del Global Campus of Human Rights presso il Monastero di San Nicolò (Lido di Venezia).   Per maggiori informazioni contattare: pressoffice@gchumanrights.org oppure communications@gchumanrights.org   #GCHumanRights #GCHumanRightsPress #GCHumanRightsConversations  

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Global Campus partners with UNDP and EU for the advancement of Human Rights Higher Education in Pakistan

The Global Campus of Human Rights is excited to announce its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in an ambitious human rights promotion programme supported by the European Union in Pakistan.   Over the next two years, the Global Campus, alongside its regional hubs in Asia-Pacific and Central Asia, will work closely with UNDP’s country mission, the EU Delegation, and a consortium of four leading Pakistani universities to further human rights higher education. This collaborative effort will focus on a wide range of activities, including providing technical support and academic guidance for the establishment of a Human Rights Education Centre in Lahore. The initiative will also involve developing innovative curricula and learning tools and creating international mobility opportunities for Pakistani students and scholars.   This project is part of the EU’s flagship programme, Human Rights Huqooq-e-Pakistan II (HeP II 2024-2028), which aims to strengthen the promotion, protection, and realization of human rights across Pakistan. HeP II is built on four strategic pillars: partnering with the government to enhance human rights implementation and reporting, collaborating with human rights institutions to strengthen their watchdog roles, promoting human rights education through universities, and engaging the private sector to support human rights protection within business practices.   With its well-established global expertise, the Global Campus of Human Rights has been selected as a key partner to help advance the third pillar of this comprehensive program. The project aims to support students, academic institutions, and civil society organizations in advancing human rights education in Pakistan.   This project is part of the GC Capacity Development programme. For more information contact adriano.remiddi@gchumanrights.org and vukasin.pajovic@gchumanrights.org   Photo credit: UNDP

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Fifteenth Issue of the Global Campus of Human Rights Magazine

Following the success of many important activities of our network, the Global Campus of Human Rights published the 15th edition of its seasonal Magazine in English and Italian.   This promotional publication is structured in the following sections:   Interviews by the Press Office and Contributions. News and Events of the Global Campus of Human Rights at local and international level. Promotion campaigns to raise awareness of our impact and attract more supporters.   “This is the place I come to every year, to fill myself up again with hope for the year ahead”. “The place referred to in this quote is the Circus in Stockholm where Right Livelihood, our long-term partner in children’s rights, climate justice and sustainability, recognizes every December outstanding human rights and environmental defenders from all over the world with the prestigious Right Livelihood Award, better known as the “Alternative Nobel Peace Prize”. […] The interviews with some of the 2024 Right Livelihood Laureates covered in the 15th edition of the Global Campus Human Rights Magazine inspire us with hope and confidence to continue fighting for a better world. ” – Global Campus Secretary General Manfred Nowak   For more information contact our Press and Communications Offices:   Elisa Aquino – Isotta Esposito – Carlotta Brunetta   pressoffice@gchumanrights.org - communications@gchumanrights.org   Read the Magazines in our Open Knowledge Repository:   https://doi.org/10.25330/2790 https://repository.gchumanrights.org/items/555a342d-a009-4300-963c-989c89995863     Stay tuned for the 16th issue of the Magazine coming up in August in English and Italian.   #GCHumanRights #GCHumanRightsPress #GCHumanRightsMagazine

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Human Rights Due Diligence in International Security: EMA Alumna Leads Exclusive Student Workshop

Tiina Vahtras, an EMA Alumna, recently presented an extensive session for current EMA students aiming to bridge the gap between human rights protection policy and practice. The principles and application of human rights due diligence in international security sector assistance were the main topics of the workshop

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Call for applications – 2nd European Cross-Regional Spring School on Climate Justice & Human Rights (Moldova, 5-11 May 2025)

The Global Campus with the GC Caucasus and the Moldova State University (MSU) are glad to announce the admissions to the “2nd European Cross-Regional Spring School on Climate Justice & Human Rights”.   Supported by the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, the School is the flagship activity of the ongoing collaboration between the GC and the Moldova State University, dedicated to developing innovative and forward-thinking human rights education initiatives.   With an interdisciplinary and cross-regional approach, the School is organized in partnership with the MSU Faculties of Law and Biology, and in synergy with the GC Europe/EMA and GC South East Europe/ERMA programs. This well-established partnership enables the School to bring together academia, civil society, and human rights defenders from Moldova, the EU neighbourhood, and the eastern enlargement countries.    About  Environmental rights and climate justice are at the heart of the current Global Campus (GC) action. Exploring these vital and timely issues is crucial for fostering a more just and sustainable future, as it empowers individuals and communities to grasp the impacts of climate change and recognize the urgency of taking action. This includes advocating for policies that address both environmental and social justice concerns. A comprehensive understanding of the systemic and structural drivers of climate change and inequality is fundamental to crafting and promoting solutions that address their root causes. This is particularly important in South-Eastern and Caucasian Europe, where significant gaps in effective, rights-based environmental policies present ongoing challenges.    Programme Outline  The School is a pioneering academic initiative—the first of its kind in this region—designed to explore the intersection of human rights, climate justice, sustainable development, and the well-being of children, youth, and future generations. It specifically addresses shared challenges and priorities relevant to the South-Eastern Europe and Caucasus regions.  Taking place from 5 – 11 May 2025, and building on the successful first edition, the School is organized as a residential and intensive course set in the picturesque Orhei village, on the outskirts of Chisinau, providing an ideal setting for immersive learning and networking. Participants will engage in a full-time schedule featuring daily classes and workshops, complemented by an expert panel discussion at the opening, a field visit, a film screening, and two social activities.  Incorporating a robust theoretical framework and a pragmatic skills-building approach, the Spring School will delve into various facets of climate justice education with a focus on comprehensive understanding and practical application. The curriculum will centre on the following key area:   International and European Legal Frameworks related to climate justice and human rights Principles Underpinning Climate Justice in the Context of Governance Intersections of Democracy, Environmental Rights and Climate Justice (Youth) Activism, Advocacy, Collaborative Policies Ethical Considerations in the Pursuit of Climate Justice Intersectionality of Climate Justice and Social Equality: gender-based approach Art, Cinema, Communication and Greenwashing in Climate Justice advocacy Sustainable and Green Development in the EU and International Context   By combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, participants will develop the ability to effectively address complex climate justice challenges with insight and strategic action, ultimately advancing environmental advocacy and social justice in meaningful ways.  All selected participants who successfully attend the whole School will receive a certificate of completion jointly issued by the GC and MSU. Additionally, MA-level or postgraduate students who wish to obtain 5 ECTS, will have to pass a final examination to take place remotely after the School.     Lecturers and Experts  Students will have the chance to connect with and learn from leading academics, practitioners, and human rights defenders from Global Campus participating universities, key partner institutions, and regional civil society organizations.    Who can apply?  Eligible participants are university students, early-career professionals, researchers, and emerging environmental rights defenders or practitioners from Eastern Partnership countries (Moldova, Armenia, Ukraine, Georgia) and the Western Balkans (BiH, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo) who want to gain an introductory understanding of the subject, or that own basic expertise. Additionally, up to two positions are open to EU citizens. GC alumni holding citizenship from these countries are encouraged to apply.     Costs  The School is free of charge. Moreover, all accommodation and stay costs are covered by the organizers. Travel costs (plane, train, or bus) only from target countries listed above will be reimbursed after the event (applies also for the two participants selected from any EU country).    How to apply  Submit your candidacy by 16 March at the link, here. Selected participants will be notified by 23 March.  The Global Campus of Human Rights reserves the right to select participants based on their academic and professional profile, and to ensure the creation of a balanced students’ body, considering gender, age and regional representation balance.    Practical Information  Selected participants are expected to check-in at the School venue on Sunday 4 May and check-out on Sunday 11 May.  They need to first reach Chisinau by plane, train or bus, then the organizers will provide transportation from the city to the School venue and back. Invitation letters to pass immigration controls will be provided. Check about your visa requirements here.     Contact Us  This project is part of the GC Capacity Development programme. For more information, please contact capacity.development@gchumanrights.org     >> APPLY <<

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Interview with 2024 Right Livelihood laureate Anabela Lemos

The Press Office had the honour to interview the 2024 Right Livelihood Laureate Anabela Lemos about her work at Justica Ambiental and her objectives in the near future.    Please share with us about your background and role in Justica Ambiental in empowering communities to stand up for their rights and demand environmental justice?    I have been an environmental justice activist ever since I remember. We started an environmental movement in my neighbourhood to stop a cement kiln from incinerating obsolete pesticides. We won. From there, we realized there was a need to support communities and protect the environment due to Mozambique’s model of development: opening the door to foreign investment, bringing with it land grabs, human rights violations, loss of livelihoods, wars. We realized that communities that lived in rural areas did not have a voice about what happened in their lands, were not aware of their rights, but they were well aware of what they wanted or did not want. We started working together, supporting their struggle, and the importance of defending the right to say no.    How was being recognised as Right Livelihood Award 2024 and how did it help with your activities and mission to boost urgent and long-term social change? How are you benefiting with all this visibility? How could we support your cause?    The recognition of the importance of our work, by such a prestigious prize, in a country like Mozambique that our leaders do not care about our people, do not care about the needs of peasants or fisherfolk or rural communities (the majority of our population) and the urgency to protect our forests, our rivers and sea for the future generations and planet is very important. JA has faced a lot of criticism for the work we do, we have been labelled as anti-development or anti-patriotic, apart from the constant threats and intimidations. So this prize shows that we are doing the right thing, that to fight for a better world is the right thing to do, and gives us strength to carry on. And above all, this recognition and the visibility it brings means more protection for JA team and especially the community activists who are on the frontlines resisting corporate land grabs and denouncing human rights violations.    You can support our cause by helping to further raise the voice of mozambicans who are every day affected by fossil fuel and extractivism megaprojects, demanding an end to fossil fuel exploration,  stopping false climate solutions such as mega-dams, REDD, industrial tree plantations, and joining us as we demand an end to corporate impunity by advancing strong and binding legislation to regulate transnational corporations at national, regional and international level. You can help us concretely by using the network of Right Livelihood to have more people supporting and endorsing our declarations, disseminating our case studies and amplifying our demands especially in the global north, where most of these companies are headquartered. We have international campaigns around specific projects, to expose and denounce violations (such as the campaign to stop the gas projects in Cabo Delgado, and the campaign against the Mphanda Nkuwa dam in the zambezi river), where we work in collaboration with partners from across the world to expose the violations and demand respect for mozambican peoples’ right to say no. Joining these campaigns as a partner, and be part of the strategizing and collective work, is a great way to help us even more.    What is your opinion on the importance of human rights education in the field of development of projects and environmental justice?    It’s hugely important, many of the problems we currently face in the world could be avoid if people understood the importance of Human rights and incorporated them in their work. A good education is the basis of your development as a person. If we learn to value human rights more than we value money or material possessions, if we place life and dignity at the center of decision making, we will be able to build different societies and preserve mother nature.    What are the most important challenges ahead in the field of Human Rights and Democracy in the world? Could educational programmes like ours at the Global Campus of Human Rights contribute to create a safe space for discussion on these challenges?    Education programs should start from an early age, deepening the knowledge as you grow. People will be more aware of human rights, and will have better tools to fight against violations, but only education won’t be able to stop these violations.    In the field of human rights and democracy, we need to understand that human rights violations are happening at the hand of powerful transnational corporations, in collusion with corrupted government elites. Without binding laws to regulate these entities, human rights violations will continue to happen systemically. Just like all across my country, Mozambique. Companies from France, Portugal, Italy, Japan, China, USA, and many others are wrecking our climate and peoples lives. We need binding legislation to regulate transnational corporations and stop this pattern of impunity. This is a critical loophole in international law that urgently needs to be addressed.    Could you give a message to the students, professors, alumni, partners and staff of the Global Campus of Human Rights?    Don’t be afraid to support and raise radical ideas. Fight against human rights violations and defend the universality of human rights.      For more information contact our Communications and Press Offices:   Elisa Aquino – Isotta Esposito – Francesca Sante – Carlotta Brunetta  pressoffice@gchumanrights.org - communications@gchumanrights.org     Read interviews and updates in our seasonal digital Global Campus of Human Rights Magazine to be informed about the latest News, Events and Campaigns with our local and international unique community of donors, partners and friends.  Stay tuned for the 15th issue of the Magazine coming soon in March in English and Italian.      #GCHumanRights  #GCHumanRightsPress  #GCHumanRightsMagazine  

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New Publication: Children’s Participation in Decision-Making in the Republic of Serbia

Fresh out of press! Global Campus South East Europe in partnership with the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Political Sciences, one of the GC member universities, proudly announces a new publication that explores the role of children in decision-making processes across family, school, and community levels.

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