2010 International Human Rights Program in Geneva
As part of Murdoch School of Law’s global reach, a new program is being set up for 2010 in Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva is synonymous with many of the world’s leading international human rights organisations such as the United Nations, the Red Cross/Red Crescent, the International Labour Organisation, the International Commission of Jurists, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and many others
In recognition of its role in addressing the needs of students in today’s global community, Murdoch University School of Law is offering for the first time to Australian law students a unique program which focuses on international human rights law.
The International Human Rights Law Program
Human rights are a prerequisite for international peace and stability. This central tenet of the United Nations and international community is also why Murdoch University’s School of Law is at the vanguard of providing to Australian law students a more direct and concrete exposure to the opportunities and networks available in the diplomatic and legal fulcrum which is Geneva.
Murdoch University School of Law is offering three law units that are directly relevant to human rights law during a three-week period from 19 June to 9 July 2010 as part of the International Human Rights Law Program at the Centre international réformé John Knox in Geneva.
The following three units are scheduled to be offered in the 2010 International Human Rights Law Program:
These units are Murdoch University School of Law units, and will be taught intensively in English. The units will be available to Murdoch law students or cross-institutional Australian law students. Each unit will be taught in intensive mode over 25 hours (in addition, there will be about 12 hours of seminars with guest speakers linked to international organisations in Geneva) and will be worth 4 credit points; there may also be additional sessions with international jurists. Students may enrol in one or more of these units, for a maximum of 12 credit points. All classes will be conducted either in the morning or afternoon so as to enable students to study in the afternoon or to pursue other scholarly or curricular activities.
Students who successfully complete this Program’s units may receive credits towards their LLB, JD or LLM degree at their respective Australian universities. All grades awarded are Murdoch University grades.
Any student in good standing at a law school in Australia who will have completed one year of academic work, or the equivalent prior to enrolment, and satisfied any unit prerequisite is eligible for participation in the Program.
Situated where the Rhône River leaves Lac Léman and capital of the canton with the same name, Geneva is in the centre of Central Europe, making it not only a meeting point between France and Switzerland, but also a pivot to other parts of the continent.
More than that, Geneva is truly a global city with 40% of its inhabitants from different parts of the world. The city itself is host to some 200 international organizations, including the United Nations European headquarters, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and the International Committee of the Red Cross/Red Crescent.
The venue: the John Knox Centre, within walking distance of the UN
The following fees and costs are estimates only.
Murdoch students will pay tuition to Murdoch for each unit. All participating students pay also a non-refundable $300 registration and processing fee, as well as a later fee of $100 for materials, activities and computer access in Geneva. Students who are not successful in their application will be refunded the $300 registration and processing fee.
Accommodation and lectures are at the Centre international réformé John Knox, about 15-20 minutes walk from the United Nations for approximately $1,200 for the duration of the Program in a shared room, with shower and WC. This includes breakfast.
Additionally, students will need to organise their own flight (around $1,800 to $2,300 from Perth to Switzerland). Murdoch University students have travel and medical insurance coverage for the duration of the Program, but cross-institutional enrolled students will need to obtain separate coverage.
Geneva is an international diplomatic city, and costs generally are higher than in Perth. While breakfast is included in the price of accommodation, other meals must be paid for at the self-service cafeteria at the Centre international réformé John Knox. The menu of the day plus dessert would cost about 16 Swiss francs.
Meals in town can be on the expensive side, and students should budget for at least $150-200 a week for food, though a night out can of course be a lot more expensive
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Students in the 2010 International Human Rights Law Program have access to a diversity of research and study facilities. They will have access to the United Nations library as well as Wifi Internet access which will allow them to remotely access Murdoch University Law Library electronic information, databases and digitised print material.
Students will also receive information guides for their units before arriving at the Centre international réformé John Knox.
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Murdoch University School of Law’s International Human Rights Law Program offers an enriching experience beyond the four walls of a lecture room. Not only will students be based in a pleasant semi-rural area within walking distance of the United Nations, the ILO, and many other international organisations, they will have the opportunity of interacting with officials, diplomats and international jurists as part of this unique teaching experience. A number of other functions and activities are currently being planned, including:
- Petite Verrée d’Accueil/Welcoming Reception: An inaugural drinks and nibbles in the first week to enable students to meet and make plans together, as well as to familiarise themselves with the facilities and staff of the Centre international réformé John Knox.
- Weekly get-togethers for all participants to share experiences and exchange information
- Visit to the United Nations, ILO and other international organisations
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For further information and enquiries, please contact:
Lyn Tooley,
School of Law
Murdoch University
Murdoch
WA 6150
Email:
l.tooley@murdoch.edu.au
Phone: +618
9360 6192
Fax: +61 8 9310 6671
Application Form can be downloaded from the web page here.
