LL.M. En Derechos Humanos Y Derecho Humanitario

Academy on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law

WCL

Human Rights Day -December 10, 2024

A year of work culminating in a day of celebration: our contributions to the promotion and protection of Human Rights.

This year, the Academy celebrated 25 years of the Program of Advanced Studies in Human Rights.

Human Rights Day: A Call to Hope and Action

The Academy of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law of the American University Washington College of Law commemorates Human Rights Day by reaffirming our dedication and effort in the promotion and defense of Human Rights. We are proud to present a summary of the various activities we have organized throughout 2024, marking our constant commitment to building a more just and equitable world for all.

Today, we celebrate not just a day but an ideal that unites us as humanity: the unwavering respect for the inherent rights of all people. Human Rights Day is not just a date on the calendar, but a powerful reminder of what we have achieved and what remains to be accomplished.

On this Human Rights Day, let us honor the steps that brought us this far, but above all, let us commit to the steps that will take us further. Let our hope be the engine and our action, the change. Together, let us make human rights a tangible reality for all.

Since 1948, when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted to strive for a fairer world, we have made significant strides. The promises embodied in that document, however, remain a challenge for millions. Every day, behind every struggle for justice, there are faces, stories, and dreams that drive us forward. This day invites us to not only celebrate our progress but also to question ourselves: are we doing enough? Because human rights are not abstract, they are the possibility for every person to live with dignity, without fear, and with real opportunities to thrive.

Today, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to build a world where no one is left behind. Because no matter who you are, where you live, or what you believe, your rights are inalienable and universal.

Global Impact

Human Rights defenders spoke about the crisis in Myanmar — Discussion Panel on Current Conflicts, Human Rights, and Humanitarian Situation in Myanmar

On April 4, 2024, the Academy organized an event titled “What is Happening in Myanmar? Discussion Panel on Current Conflicts, Human Rights, and Humanitarian Situations in Myanmar.”

The panel addressed the prolonged conflict in Myanmar, recognized as the longest ongoing civil war, lasting over 60 years, with various Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations fighting for self-determination. The panelists discussed the current situation in Myanmar (Burma), including ongoing conflicts, human rights violations, and humanitarian crises, highlighting why the Spring Revolution is crucial for democratic societies worldwide.

Crisis en Haití: Defensoras de los Derechos de las Mujeres en la Lucha por los Derechos de las Mujeres — Crisis in Haiti: Women Human Rights Defenders in the Struggle for Women's Rights

As part of the Academy's efforts to commemorate Women's History Month, on March 20, 2024, we organized the event "Crisis in Haiti: Women Human Rights Defenders in the Struggle for Women's Rights."

The panelists addressed the profound political crisis in Haiti, highlighting the urgent need for attention and discussion from a human rights perspective. The event was co-organized by the Office of War Crimes Research and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, whose support made this conference possible.

Event Female Genital Mutilation — Female Genital Mutilation: A Legal Perspective

On March 21, 2024, the Academy organized an in-person panel titled "Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): A Legal Perspective."

The speakers shared their unique perspectives on the legal challenges faced by women worldwide due to FGM, a practice that persists in multiple countries despite being inconsistent with fundamental human rights. We expressed our gratitude to the LL.M. Committee for their support in organizing this panel and to the World Bank against FGM for their initiative to raise awareness about this important issue.

Special Event related to Digital Rights promoting IAMOOT 2024 — Three former Special Rapporteurs on Freedom of Expression of the IACHR joined us to promote IAMOOT 2024

On March 5, 2024, the Academy hosted an incredible webinar featuring Eduardo Bertoni, Catalina Botero, and Edison Lanza—three former Special Rapporteurs on Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The event was moderated by our Co-Director, Prof. Diego Rodríguez-Pinzón. The panelists explored the critical theme of human rights in digital environments, offering insights directly connected to this year’s #IAMOOT2024. The discussion shed light on key issues such as zero-rating practices, privacy, and other risks at the intersection of the internet and human rights. This event was a resounding success, promoting the Competition. Please watch the event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZijxdzp_GM

The winner in English was Leandro Léo Rebelo from Brazil. The winner in Spanish was Trilce Gabriela Valdivia Aguilar. Winner of the Essay Award 2024

We successfully concluded the 2024 Human Rights Essay Award, an annual award sponsored by the Academy to encourage the production of academic articles in international human rights law. The Award is held in both English and Spanish, and we received more than 70 submissions from Human Rights Defenders worldwide. The topic of the 2024 Essay was Protection and Guarantee of Human Rights in Digital Environments. The pieces were meticulously evaluated by an honor jury composed of distinguished academics and advocates, including Mariela Antoniazzi Morales (Venezuela), Catalina Botero (Colombia), Nighat Dad (Pakistan), Kathryn Kleiman (US), Eduardo Bertoni (Argentina), and Ina Jost (Brazil). The English winner was Leandro Léo Rebelo from Brazil. The winner in Spanish was Trilce Gabriela Valdivia Aguilar. Both of them received a tuition scholarship and joined us in our Summer Program. We already announced the Human Rights Essay Award 2025, where the topic to be discussed is Human Trafficking and Human Rights. You can learn more about the Essay here: https://bit.ly/3VEVJoj

Our 2024 Fall LL.M class included students from Haiti, Nepal, Bolivia, Brazil, Kyrgyzstan, Peru, the US, and Belgium.

We concluded 2024 with an extraordinary and diverse group of students who joined our LL.M. Program. Our Fall 2024 Class included students from Haiti, Nepal, Bolivia, Brazil, Kyrgyzstan, Peru, the US, and Belgium. We received students from Germany, Ecuador, Chile, and the US in the spring. We are proud of them as they have completed internships in various international organizations in Washington DC and worldwide, including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the Organization of American States, and the World Bank.

Our LL.M graduates also had an extraordinary year. Alvaro Montenegro (LL.M’ 24) was designated a Counselor at the Permanent Mission of Guatemala before the OAS. Jimmy L. Thyden (LL.M’ 24) founded the NGO “Grafting Hope” to find resources and meaningful pathways forward for survivors of Counterfeit adoptions, disappeared and trafficked children, following his personal story of being a Chilean trafficked child himself. Viktor Vilt (LL.M’ 24) was hired as General Attorney - Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, US Department of Homeland Security. Learn more about our Program here: https://bit.ly/3BuvcmK

Diego Rodriguez - Symposium International Law Review — The Annual AUILR Symposium featured Prof. Diego Rodriguez-Pinzon

In April, Professor Diego Rodriguez-Pinzon was part of the American University International Law (AUILR) Symposium 2024, titled “The Longest Arm: Universal Jurisdiction and War Crimes Prosecution”. Our Co-Director was on the panel “Trends in Universal Jurisdiction and Applicability to Syria and Ukraine.” He shared his own views and valuable experiences from Latin America. He was joined in the panel by other distinguished speakers, including Kristin J. Smith, Director of the Atrocity Crimes Initiative, a group of projects (including the International Criminal Court Project); Roger Lu Phillips, Legal Director of the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre, where he manages both the Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT); and Roman Avramenko, Executive Director at Truth Hounds, a non-governmental organization, and has documented war crimes. We were delighted that the AUILR invited Prof. Rodriguez-Pinzon for their annual symposium. Read more here: https://auilr.org/

Ayala President ICJ — Carlos Ayala will replace Academy's Co-Chair and also AUWCL Professor, Robert Goldman, as president of the human rights organization.

In 2024, Prof. Carlos Ayala, a distinguished human rights adjunct at AUWCL that teaches in the Academy summer program, was elected President of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ). Ayala, who previously served as Vice President of the ICJ, will succeed fellow AUWCL Professor Robert Goldman, Academy's Co-Chair, marking an extraordinary leadership streak by the Academy faculty within this world-renowned human rights organization. Prof. Ayala’s election underscores the Academy deep commitment to advancing justice, human rights, and equality on a global scale. As he steps into this significant new role, AUWCL and the Academy celebrates Prof. Ayala’s achievements and the ICJ’s mission to uphold the rule of law and defend human rights globally. Read more here: https://bit.ly/41zQslM

La Oroya Event — Professor Claudia Martin moderated a panel on the La Oroya v. Peru case, a landmark ruling by the Inter-American Human Rights Court

Professor Claudia Martin moderated a panel on the La Oroya v. Peru case, a landmark ruling by the Inter-American Human Rights Court. Hosted by the Academy and AUWCL's Center for Human Rights, the discussion highlighted the decision's precedent-setting impact on the right to a healthy environment, corporate accountability, and public accessibility, particularly for indigenous communities. Panelists included AUWCL Professor David Hunter, UN experts Christian Courtis and Marcos Orellana, and AUWCL alumna Paula Roko (LLM’24). Professor Martin emphasized the case’s significance for climate justice. Read more about the judgment here: https://bit.ly/3VGfiwG

Moot Court Human Rights Day — The 29th IAMOOT had more than 50 teams from more than 20 countries

From May 19-24 2024, the Academy hosted the 29th Inter-American Moot Court Competition, a unique trilingual event (English, Spanish, Portuguese) training law students to use the Inter-American human rights system. This year’s topic was “Protection of Human Rights in Digital Environments,” with the 2024 hypothetical case co-authored by Pedro Vaca Villarreal, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, alongside Vanessa Lopez Ochoa and Giovanny Padovam Ferreira. After intense oral rounds, first place went to Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, and second to Universidad Gerardo Barrios, Sede San Miguel. As we prepare for IAMOOT’s 30th anniversary in 2025, we celebrate another year of advancing human rights education. See more: https://bit.ly/4fhUa6R

The 2024 IAHRS Independent Panel released a final report evaluating candidates for judges to the Inter-American Court — The 29th IAMOOT had more than 50 teams from more than 20 countries

From May 19-24 2024, the Academy hosted the 29th Inter-American Moot Court Competition, a unique trilingual event (English, Spanish, Portuguese) training law students to use the Inter-American human rights system. This year’s topic was “Protection of Human Rights in Digital Environments,” with the 2024 hypothetical case co-authored by Pedro Vaca Villarreal, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, alongside Vanessa Lopez Ochoa and Giovanny Padovam Ferreira. After intense oral rounds, first place went to Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, and second to Universidad Gerardo Barrios, Sede San Miguel. As we prepare for IAMOOT’s 30th anniversary in 2025, we celebrate another year of advancing human rights education. See more: https://bit.ly/4fhUa6R

Lessons Learned - Flyer Social Media — Dialogues on Chilean constitutional reform processes

On March 4, the Academy, in collaboration with Professor and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman, hosted a conference highlighting Latin America’s constitutional experiences, with a special focus on Chile. The event featured three members of Chile's Comité Técnico de Admisibilidad (Technical Committee on Admissibility), who played pivotal roles in constitutional reform in Chile. The discussion provided an opportunity to reflect on lessons from Chile’s constitutional processes and to explore shared principles essential for effective constitutional drafting and reform. Read more.

Stateleness from Gender Lens ENG — Statelessness from a Gender Lens

On October 3, the Academy hosted the event “Statelessness from a Gender Lens”. The speakers shone a light on the issue of states using 'citizenship' and ' legal identity' as tools to discriminate against minorities and vulnerable groups and the resources available and the global efforts needed to address these issues. The event was possible through the support of the International and Comparative Legal Studies AUWCL, LL.M. Board AUWCL, Center for Human Rights and Humanitarianl Law AUWCL, Citizenship Affected People’s Network, Global Campaing for Equal Nationality Rights, whose collaboration enriched this important dialogue. Read more.

Conversatorio de las Tejedoras de Mampuján_SPA — Quilt exhibition and Dialogue with the Sewers of Mampujan

On October 24, the Academy hosted the “Dialogue with the Sewers of Mampuján,” an event held in honor of the 24th anniversary of the historic United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). This remarkable group of women uses art to narrate the history of the Colombian armed conflict, embodying community resilience, reparation, and historical memory. This event was co-sponsored with the Embassy of Colombia in the United States and the Permanent Mission of Colombia to the OAS. Read more.

Afghanistan Event Flyer — Afghanistan: ICJ Case & Status of Women’s Rights

On October 29, the Academy organized the event “Afghanistan: ICJ Case & Status of Women’s Rights”, an important panel discussion on the status of women’s rights in Afghanistan and the ICJ case based on CEDAW violations. The panel was organized in collaboration with the Open Society Justice Initiative, the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, Rawadari and the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation in Afghanistan. Read more.

La Sentencia En El Caso Manta Y Vilca ESP — Conversations on Landmark Cases: The Ruling in the Manta and Vilca Case

On October 31, the Academy hosted, together with RELEG and the War Crimes Research Office, the event “Conversations on Landmark Cases: The Ruling in the Manta and Vilca Case”, with the support of #ACTUEMOS from UN Women and the European Union. The panelists discussed challenges in the investigation, litigation and implementation of the ruling, as well as its impact on victims. The event highlightes the historic achievemnet of justice for the survivors of justice for the survivors after decades of struggle for truth and memory. Read more.

Crisis en Venezuela — Venezuela: Electoral Fraud and Political Crisis

On November 7, the Academy organized the event “Venezuela: Electoral Fraud and Political Crisis”, together with Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF), WOLA, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. The panelists analyzed the allegations of electoral fraud and political repression following the elections, with evidence presented by the opposition and international observers. Read more.

Cartel oficial de ¿Es Venezuela parte del Sistema Interamericano de Derechos Humanos? — Is Venezuela Part of the Inter-American Human Rights System? - Experts Discuss

On November 7, the Academy organized the event “Is Venezuela Part of the Inter-American Human Rights System? - Experts Discuss”, with the support of the IACHR. The speakers explored legal avenues to protect the millions of Venezuelans left without access to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, in light of the post-electoral crisis. Read more.

Iran Event Flyer eng — The UN Fact -Finding Mission on Iran: Investigation of gross human rights violations

On November 11th, the Academy hosted the event “On Resistance and Solidarity - The Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in Iran”, with the support of CEJIL and the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center. During this event, the speakers explored the ongoing women-led “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests in Iran against the systemic gender discrimination.

Challenges of the Inter American ENG — Challenges of the Inter-American Human Rights System in the Current Regional Context

On November 12, the Academy organized the event “Challenges of the Inter-American Human Rights System in the Current Regional Context”, where key organizations engaged in litigation within the Inter-American Human Rights System sought to answer the question: How could we make the Inter-American Human Rights System better respond to today’s challenges. The event was made possible through the support of Center for Legal and Social Studies, Conectas Direitos Humanos, Article 19, Dejusticia, DPLF, and WOLA, whose collaboration enriched this important dialogue.

Mexico Event — The Mexican Judicial Reform: Is the Rule of Law Compromised?

On November 14, the Academy organized the lecture “The Mexican Judicial Reform: Is the Rule of Law Compromised?” about the recent constitutional reform in Mexico, driven by former president López Obrador. This event was supported by IIRESODH, WOLA, Fundación para la Justicia, and La Justicia que Queremos. Read more.

Official Flyer — Fighting for the Right to Identity in Argentina and Beyond - The Impact of Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo‘s work on the Human Rights movement worldwide

On November 15, the Academy organized the lecture “Fighting for the Right to Identity in Argentina and Beyond - The Impact of Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo‘s work on the Human Rights movement worldwide”. This event featured Estela de Carlotto, President of Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, and Claudia Poblete Hlaczik, a recovered granddaughter, discussing the legacy of Memory, Truth, and Justice in Argentina. The event was co-sponsored by WOLA. Read more.

Mesrures1 — The Precautionary Measures in the Inter-American Human Rights System: a perspective from the experts

On November 20, the Academy hosted the event “The Precautionary Measures in the Inter-American Human Rights System: A perspective from the experts”. The speakers explored the precautionary measure procedure, a mechanism utilized by the Inter-American Commission and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to address situations of urgent, imminent risk of irreparable harm. Read more.

The Academy celebrated 16 days of activism by promoting a speakers series covering topics of Afghanistan, Iran, and cases of the Inter-American System — Every year, the Academy aims to coordinate conferences that give women human rights defenders

As highlighted by UN Women, 16 days of activism is "an opportunity to revitalize commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers, and woman inclusion in all levels." Every year, the Academy aims to coordinate conferences that give women human rights defenders a voice to speak about the challenges and opportunities ahead. This year, we had several panels featuring hostile countries towards women's equity, like Afghanistan and Iran. UN Fact Finding Mission members and Special Rapporteurs of both countries joined us. We also had an online discussion regarding the implementation of the Manta Vilca Landmark case that held accountable several Peruvian soldiers who raped teenagers during the Fujimori dictatorship. This is also part of our work to implement commitments with UN Women. In this regard, Professor Martin worked with the GQUAL Campaign in the drafting process of General Recommendation No. 40 by CEDAW related to women in the decision-making system.

Claudio Grossman, Copresident of the Academy

Check more activities from Professor Grossman here.

Robert Goldman, Copresident of the Academy

Check more activities from Professor Goldman here.

Claudia Martin, Co-director of the Academy

Check more activities from Professor Martin here.

Diego Rodríguez-Pinzón, Co-director of the Academy

Check more activities from Professor Rodríguez-Pinzón here.

Programs and Initiatives 2025

Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

ENG_Brochure Summer program_2025 FINAL

The Program is the in'risente componen of the Hydrid LLM in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law offer by the Academy. The 26th edition of this internationally renowned program will take place between May 26 and June 13, 2025, on WCL´s campus. We offer 17 in-person courses in English and Spanish.

The summer faculty include UN Special Rapporteurs, Commissioners, and judges of the Inter-American Commission and Court of Human Rights, Judges of International Courts such as the ICJ, and professors from around the world. The courses and faculty are part of the LLM degree and included the following:

2025 English Courses and Faculty

Human Rights and Development

Repetto Vargas Andrea, Director at Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI) of the IDB Group
Margaret Ellen Roggensack, Co-Chair of the State Department's Advisory Committee on Responsible Business Conduct

Human Rights and the Environment

Johanna Gusman, Regional Adviser, Human Rights and Social Development, Division of Human Rights and Social Development, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)/Fiji
Marcos Orellana, UN Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights

International Humanitarian Law

Jamie Williamson, Executive Director, International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers' Association (ICoCa)

International Justice for Human Rights Violations

David Crane, Founding Chief Prosecutor, Special Court for Sierra Leone & Former UN Under-Secretary General
Helen Duffy, Founder of Human Rights in Practice, The Hague, The Netherlands, and Professor of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Leiden University

United Nations Human Rights System

Claude Heller, President of the United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT), Eminent Ambassador of Mexico, and independent consultant on international affairs
Rochus Pronk, Deputy Ambassador, Chargé d’Affaires at the Netherlands Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq, International Lawyer and Human Rights Defender Diplomat
Gerald Staberock, Secretary General of the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT)

Women & International Human Rights Law

Viviana Waisman, Founder and Director Emeritus, Women´s Link WorldWide
Roberta Clarke, Commissioner, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

Human Rights and Technology

Eduardo Bertoni, Director, Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Washington College of Law, American University

2025 Spanish Courses and Faculty

Derecho Internacional Humanitario

Elizabeth Salmón, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Ezequiel Heffes,Director of Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict

Derechos Económicos, Sociales y Culturales

Victor Abramovich, Deputy Solicitor General, Supreme Court of Justice, Buenos Aires,
Rodrigo Uprimny, Former Member of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Derechos Humanos y Cortes Internacionales

Laurence Burgorgue-Larsen, Profesor of Public Law at the Sorbonne Law School

Implementación de los Derechos Humanos en Derecho Interno

Eduardo Ferrer MacGregor-Poisot, Judge and Former Inter-American Court of Human Rights President
Carlos Ayala, Vice-President of the International Commission of Jurists

Impunidad y Justicia Internacional

Felipe Gomez Isa, Professor of Public International Law at the University of Deusto, Spain
Juan Méndez, Professor of Human Rights Law in Residence, AUWCL
Fausto Pocar, Ad hoc Judge, International Court of Justice, Former President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and Professor Emeritus, University of Milan

Libertad de Expresión

Catalina Botero, Executive Director, Director of the UNESCO Chair on Freedom of Expression at Universidad de Los Andes, co-chair of the Oversight Board of Facebook and Instagram
Pedro Vaca Villareal, Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)

Litigio y Activismo en Derechos Humanos

Viviana Krsticevic, Executive Director of the Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL)
Katya Salazar, Executive Director of the Due Process of Law Foundation (PDLF)

Mujeres y el Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos

Daniela Kravetz, Former UN Special Rapporteur on the State of Affairs of Human Rights in Eritrea

Sistema de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas

María Clara Galvis Patiño, Professor of International Human Rights and Former Vice President of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances
Santiago A. Canton, Secretary General of the International Commission of Jurists

Sistema Interamericano de Derechos Humanos

Claudio Grossman, Member of the UN International Law Commission and Dean Emeritus, American University Washington College of Law
Claudia Martin, Co-director and Professorial Lecturer in residence, Academy of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, AUWCL
Diego Rodríguez-Pinzón, Co-Director and Professorial Lecturer in residence of the Academy on Human Rights & Humanitarian Law, AUWC, and former Member of the UN Committee Against Torture (CAT) and former Ad Hoc Judge of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Pablo Saavedra, Secretary, Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR)
Tania Reneaum Panszi, Executive Secretary, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)
Jorge Meza, Assistant Executive Secretary for the Petition and Case System, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)

The 2025 Pogram of Advanced Studies in Human Rights - May 26 to June 13, 2025

The Program of Advanced Studies returns for its in-person 2025 edition, running from May 26 to June 13 in the heart of Washington, D.C. This unique program offers three intensive weeks of learning with 17 innovative courses taught by over 40 world-renowned experts. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your understanding of human rights and international humanitarian law while engaging with a global network of professionals and academics. The call for applications is now open—don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience! Learn more.

2025 Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition - May 18 to May 23, 2025

The 30th anniversary of the Inter-American Moot Court Competition will take place from May 18 to May 23, 2025! This prestigious event brings together teams, judges, observers, and court officers from around the world to engage with the critical theme of “Human Trafficking and Human Rights” within the Inter-American Human Rights System. Registration for all roles is now open—don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique academic experience that fosters debate, advocacy, and the defense of human rights. Learn more.

2025 Human Rights Essay Award - DEADLINE - February 1, 2025

It's time to show your passion for international human rights law! The Human Rights Essay Award 2025 is looking for innovative ideas on “Human Trafficking and Human Rights”. Open to lawyers with law degrees from around the world, this contest gives you the freedom to explore any aspect related to this vibrant topic.

Submit your work online and be part of this exciting opportunity to stand out in the academic field! Learn more.

Providing Access to Human Rights Education - Hybrid and Virtual Master's Program

HRIHL LLM Residential Students

The LL.M. in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in Residence at Washington DC Law School Campus.

Our LL.M. in Residence group represents a dynamic mix of bright minds from Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Myanmar, Ecuador, Nigeria, Ghana, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Nepal, Bolivia, Haiti, Belgium, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Venezuela, and many more! This diverse and enriching environment offers a unique platform to share ideas and approaches to current challenges in the field of human rights around the world. Find out more about the LL.M. and join this global learning community! Learn more.

Course, Estudios Avanzados en DDHH (Spanish)

The LL.M. in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law is also offered entirely in Spanish. This opens the door for multilingual lawyers seeking formal training with the best human rights experts in their native language. This course is taught by adjunct professor Mikel Mancisidor.

Course, La Protección Internacional de los Grupos Vulnerables (Spanish)

The LL.M. in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law also offers courses on specific current topics in human rights. This course explores relevant issues and violations faced by the most vulnerable populations in accessing justice, and presents practical approaches with specific tools for each category that can be used as instruments in defending the rights of these populations. The course is taught by adjunct professor Jorge Araya.

Course: Advanced Human Rights (English)

The Advanced Human Rights course is designed for those seeking to understand the legal and political complexities of human rights in contemporary contexts. Offering an innovative and interdisciplinary approach, it explores critical issues in international human rights law, including the extraterritorial application of rights, limitations and derogations, and the impact of challenges such as terrorism and migration on fundamental rights. The course also examines essential topics like the prohibition of torture and the interplay between international humanitarian law and human rights in conflict settings. Through judicial case studies and comparisons with state practices, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the application and challenges of human rights law in today’s world. The course is taught by Professor in Residence, Claudia Martin.

Course, International Protection of Vulnerable Groups (English)

The LL.M. in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law also offers courses on specific current topics in human rights. This course explores relevant issues and violations faced by the most vulnerable populations in accessing justice, and presents practical approaches with specific tools for each category that can be used as instruments in defending the rights of these populations. The course is taught by adjunct professor Eric Rosenthal.

Meet the Academy Team

We are thrilled to introduce you to the exceptional team behind the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law! Together, we are dedicated to advancing the understanding and promotion of human rights and humanitarian law worldwide.