International Criminal Justice & Human Rights Law Training Course

Introduction

In an era of persistent conflict and ongoing atrocities, mastering International Criminal Justice & Human Rights Law is absolutely critical for legal professionals, human rights advocates, policymakers, and international relations experts seeking to uphold accountability and protect fundamental rights worldwide. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip government legal advisors, prosecutors, judges, human rights officers, foreign service officers, NGO practitioners, and academic researchers with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for interpreting international criminal law, understanding human rights frameworks, and engaging with international justice mechanisms. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the foundations of international criminal law (e.g., crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes), the functioning of international courts (ICC, ICJ), the principles of human rights law, and the strategic implications of justice and accountability for peace, reconciliation, and post-conflict recovery. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on analysis of current international legal developments, real-world case studies pertinent to complex justice challenges, and best practices for advocating for human rights and prosecuting international crimes.

This global justice and human rights advocacy course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond traditional legal systems towards a proactive, expert-level approach to ensuring justice for victims of grave violations and promoting a culture of human rights. Mastering international humanitarian law (IHL), implementing effective human rights monitoring, and understanding strategies for transitional justice and reparations are indispensable for combating impunity, protecting vulnerable populations, fostering rule of law, and contributing to durable peace. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic international legal advocacy and human rights diplomacy, positioning your organization at the forefront of global justice efforts and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced accountability, improved human security, and more effective international cooperation.

Target Audience

• Legal Professionals (Prosecutors, Judges, Lawyers)
• Human Rights Advocates & NGO Practitioners
• Government Legal Advisors & Policymakers
• Foreign Service Officers & Diplomats
• International Organization Staff (UN Human Rights, ICC, ICJ)
• Military Legal Advisors
• Academics & Researchers in International Law

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of international criminal justice and human rights law.
• Learn about the historical development and sources of international criminal law.
• Master the definitions and elements of core international crimes (genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes).
• Develop proficiency in the functioning and jurisdiction of international criminal courts and tribunals.
• Explore best practices for investigating and prosecuting international crimes.
• Understand the critical aspects of international human rights law and its universal application.
• Learn about robust strategies for monitoring, reporting, and advocating for human rights.
• Identify the critical role of victim participation, witness protection, and reparations in international justice.
• Develop skills in analyzing the nexus between international criminal justice and transitional justice.
• Understand the challenges of complementarity, state cooperation, and political will in international justice.
• Explore strategies for preventing atrocity crimes and fostering a culture of accountability.
• Drive the implementation of principled approaches to justice and human rights in international affairs.
• Position yourself as a leader in advancing international criminal justice and protecting human rights globally.

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1. Foundations of International Criminal Justice

• Defining international criminal law and its distinction from national criminal law
• Historical evolution: Nuremberg, Tokyo, ad hoc tribunals (ICTY, ICTR)
• Sources of international criminal law: treaties, customary international law, general principles
• Principles of individual criminal responsibility: command responsibility, joint criminal enterprise
• The concept of impunity and its impact on peace and security

Module 2. Core International Crimes

• Genocide: definition, elements, and intent
• Crimes Against Humanity: widespread or systematic attack against civilian population
• War Crimes: grave breaches of Geneva Conventions, violations of laws of armed conflict
• Crime of Aggression: definition and challenges of prosecution
• Other international crimes: torture, enforced disappearance

Module 3. International Criminal Courts & Tribunals

• The International Criminal Court (ICC): jurisdiction, structure, procedures
• Ad hoc tribunals (ICTY, ICTR) and hybrid courts (e.g., SCSL)
• The International Court of Justice (ICJ): advisory opinions and state responsibility
• Complementarity principle: the role of national jurisdictions
• Challenges to ICC universality and state cooperation

Module 4. International Human Rights Law (IHRL)

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and core human rights treaties
• Civil and political rights vs. economic, social, and cultural rights
• Monitoring mechanisms: treaty bodies, Human Rights Council, special procedures
• Human rights in times of armed conflict: relationship with IHL
• Protection of specific groups: women, children, minorities, refugees

Module 5. Investigation, Prosecution & Evidence

• Principles of international criminal investigations: forensic, digital, witness testimony
• Gathering and preserving evidence of international crimes
• Role of prosecutors, defense counsel, and victims' representatives
• Challenges of witness protection and security in complex investigations
• Burden of proof and standards of evidence in international courts

Module 6. Victims, Accountability & Transitional Justice

• The role of victims in international criminal proceedings: participation, protection
• Reparations for victims of international crimes
• Transitional justice mechanisms: truth commissions, lustration, institutional reform
• Balancing justice, peace, and reconciliation in post-conflict settings
• The role of civil society and NGOs in documentation and advocacy

Module 7. Future Challenges & Debates in International Justice

• The impact of emerging technologies on international crimes and investigations
• The ethics of international intervention and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
• Universal jurisdiction and its application in national courts
• Addressing impunity for environmental crimes and climate change impacts
• Strengthening the international legal order and promoting accountability for grave crimes

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.