UNITAR Online Catalogue

Expert in Human Rights Programme 2026

People

Deadline
Type
Fellowship Programme
Location
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Date
to
Duration
6 Months
Programme Area
Decentralize Cooperation Programme
Price
$0.00
Event Focal Point Email
analucia.jacome@unitar.org
Partnership

Human Rights Commission in Saudi Arabia (4021), Al Mobdioon Centre

Background

Module 1 of Expert of Human Rights Programme provides a concise overview of the concept of human rights, the evolution of human rights law, and the various actors and scenarios involved in their promotion and protection. The module emphasizes the core features of human rights, highlighting their universality, inalienability, interdependence, and historical development of human rights, from early milestones to establishing the comprehensive international legal framework as we know it today. Finally, it underscores the shared responsibility of various actors in upholding human rights and their crucial role in promoting justice, equality, and sustainable development.
 

Module 2

Module 2 of Expert of Human Rights Programme provides core elements of national, regional, and International Human Rights Mechanisms as well as relevant elements of Public Policies.
It will be the opportunity to enhance knowledge on “The Universal Human Rights System,” Treaty Bodies, the Human Rights Council as the primary UN body that promotes and protects human rights globally, and its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) applied to all UN member States as well as Special Procedures. Likewise, participants will learn how regional systems like the European, Inter-American, and African ones have supported to strengthen International Human Rights Law as well as additional avenues for redress and the development of human rights jurisprudence. This Module also considers the cycle of National Policies which involves different stages. Likewise, the Policy Problem will be considered to clarify the root causes of an issue, considering its impacts, and formulating a clear problem statement, while stressing on the importance of gathering information from various stakeholders and analysing existing research. Furthermore, they will learn about the Policy Scope: After identifying the problem, the scope of the policy solution needs to be defined. This includes outlining the goals, objectives, tasks, resources, budget, and timeline. It is important to identify and consult those affected by the policy. In this regard, Module II face to face workshop will be the opportunity to complement the information to be learned at the self-pace component of the programme as well as during the online lessons, to be held from 3 to 5 February 2025. During the online lessons, it will be covered the independent role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) for advancing in the protection and promotion of human rights at domestical level. To this end, the Paris Principles will be covered as guidelines for establishing and operating effective NHRIs, emphasizing their independence, broad mandate, and accessibility. In the same vein, participants will be learning about the paramount role of the Saudi Human Rights Commission towards the effective promotion and protection of Human Rights in the Kingdom.

 

Module 3

 

Module 3 of Expert of Human Rights Programme offers a deep dive into the interconnectedness of human rights, geopolitics, and leadership. The module underscored that international human rights law is not a static set of rules, but a
"living instrument" that must be interpreted and adapted to meet the evolving challenges of our times. This dynamic nature is evident in the continuous development of legal frameworks protecting vulnerable groups, from combating racial
discrimination to safeguarding the rights of indigenous peoples, migrants, women, children, and persons with disabilities. The module also illuminated the complex interplay between geopolitics and human rights, emphasising that power dynamics and competing interests on the global stage significantly influence the protection and promotion of human rights. It explored the crucial role of the United Nations in navigating these complexities and addressing pressing global challenges, from climate change and gender inequality to financing for development, peace, and security. Finally, the module highlighted the importance of leadership in the public sector for effective human rights implementation. It emphasised that leaders must navigate complex environments, prioritise collaboration, and embrace ethical and responsible decision-making to address societal challenges and promote human rights. Module 3 provided a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of human rights work, underscoring the need for adaptability, collaboration, and ethical leadership to navigate the complexities of the modern world and champion human rights for all.

 

Module 4

 

Module 4 of the Expert in Human Rights Programme equips participants with essential communication skills for human rights advocacy. Effective communication is crucial for influencing policy, engaging stakeholders, and advancing human rights agendas. Participants develop strategies to deliver persuasive statements, engage in negotiations, and draft impactful reports tailored to formal human rights settings. The core focus of the module is strengthening oral and writing proficiency. Participants refine public speaking skills, practice active listening, and explore the role of nonverbal communication in diplomatic settings. Writing exercises emphasize clarity, conciseness, and persuasive structuring, particularly in human rights reports and formal submissions. Special attention is given to drafting reports for the Universal Periodic Review, treaty body submissions, and joint statements for the Human Rights Council, ensuring participants can convey critical messages effectively. By the end of the module, participants will have gained confidence in public speaking, improved their ability to draft well-structured human rights reports, and enhanced adaptability in diverse cultural and diplomatic contexts. Practical assessments, including role-playing exercises and writing tasks, reinforce these skills, ensuring participants are prepared to communicate persuasively in human rights forums. This module provides a foundation for effective advocacy, enabling participants to contribute meaningfully to international human rights discussions.

Learning Objectives

Module 1

Description of Learning outcomes: This three-day workshop aims to strengthen knowledge on the core features of Human Rights and its evolution, as well as the actors and different scenarios.
- Application of theoretical frameworks: Ability to understand and apply Human Rights concepts learned in the programme in order to analyze and interpret practical cases.

Criterion of Assessment: Human rights instruments, and frameworks, including international conventions, treaties, and declarations clearly understood. Human Rights issues, including their
causes, consequences, potential solutions and the role of different stakeholders being analyzed and identified.

Assessment task and activities: Involvement in active participation within the course discussion forums, completion of reading assessments, engagement during synchronous sessions, and final evaluation online.

Module 2

At the end of the module, participants will better understand some Core Features of Human Rights Mechanisms at International, Regional and International levels.
Participants will also identify relevant elements and conditions for the design, development, implementation and follow-up of Public Policies.
Participants will also be able to identify Human Rights concepts learned in the Module in order to analyze and interpret practical cases.

Module 3

At the end of the module, participants will have:

• Developed practical leadership skills for effectively promoting and protecting Human Rights in specific fields, in particular, linked to the special needs of groups, and increased understanding of the link between geopolitics and Human Rights for the timely use of leadership in different.
• Strengthened engagement and leadership skills for identifying opportunities to respond to Human Rights challenges, and consider broader participation of specific groups in different scenarios.

 

Module 4

At the end of the module, participants will have:


• Consolidated communication skills as an asset for knowledge on Human Rights.
• Enhanced their skills to communicate persuasively in formal meetings, negotiations, and advocacy efforts.
• Developed strong, structured, and persuasive written and oral communication abilities.
• Increased confidence in delivering statements in formal Human Rights settings.
• Improved adaptability to different cultural and diplomatic communication contexts.