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Utrecht University

Human Rights for Open Societies

Human rights are under pressure in many places across the globe. Peaceful protests are violently quashed. Voting is tampered with. And minorities are often excluded from decision-making. All of this threatens the ideal of an open society in which each of us can be free and participate equally. A solid protection of human rights is needed for an open society to exist and to flourish. But it is often an uphill battle to work towards that ideal. Equip yourself and learn more about what human rights are and how they work. In this course, we will introduce you to one of the world’s most intricate human rights systems: the European Convention on Human Rights. You will see when and how people can turn to the European Court of Human Rights to complain about human rights violations. You will learn how the Court tries to solve many of the difficult human rights dilemmas of today. We will look, amongst other things, at the freedom of expression and demonstration, the right to vote, and the prohibition of discrimination. And we will address the rights of migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups. And, of course, we will see whether it is possible to restrict rights and if so under what conditions. You will even encounter watchdogs and ice cream in this course. We invite you to follow us on a journey of discovery into the European Convention!

Status: Case Law
Status: European History
BeginnerCourse14 hours

Featured reviews

MG

5.0Reviewed Oct 12, 2020

Valuable source of information about Human Rights, I hope to be part of another course from you on the future!

TZ

5.0Reviewed Mar 19, 2017

I really like this subject, it comprehend my knowledge especially about human rights. Thank you.

SS

5.0Reviewed May 7, 2020

Through these course I came to learn a lot of important things and got a lot of knowledge about ECHR.

P

5.0Reviewed Sep 3, 2019

very comprehensive and the professors talk very cleary, easy to understand!Love from Vietnam - Cảm Ơn

JK

5.0Reviewed Jan 5, 2026

This was a very interesting course. The course was easy to follow and used a mix of text and videos. The assignments were a good match with the material.

LP

5.0Reviewed Mar 2, 2021

really interesting course with good and clear teaching sessions + well completed with exercises

GB

5.0Reviewed Nov 3, 2022

I have sent review feedback for more than 6 peers. So, I suggest the feedback of week 6 reflection assignment.

JQ

5.0Reviewed Jul 28, 2017

Interesting course and fun to see stated the rights we have in America stated as human rights for all open societies.

RP

5.0Reviewed Jun 25, 2022

I am really thankful to Utrecht University for providing me with an opportunity to learn this course. I am hopeful that this is going to help me further in my new career path. Thank you so much.

AI

5.0Reviewed Feb 28, 2021

The course is excellent. The way learning the subject seems to me I am reading an adventures story.I never felt bore on my way. It opens my eyes as well.

JM

5.0Reviewed May 5, 2020

I personally like this course, if you really wish to know about human rights prefer this course only.

TA

5.0Reviewed Sep 27, 2019

Who knows or care about the UNHDR? I care and everyone might have care about it. I am thankful for the access to learn more about it....

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 156

Dorin Cristian Minea
5.0
Reviewed Jun 11, 2017
Sana Kerillos
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5.0
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Tofail Ahamed
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Mustafa Hasan
4.0
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sara alnashawati
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Consie Lozano
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Giulianna Lopérgolo Aguiar
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Reviewed Dec 18, 2020