Human Rights for Open Societies

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/humanrights

Introduction

### Course Review: Human Rights for Open Societies #### Overview In today’s world, the fabric of human rights is increasingly under threat. With instances of peaceful protests being met with aggression, electoral processes undermined, and marginalized groups often disregarded, the need for robust human rights advocacy has never been more critical. The Coursera course "Human Rights for Open Societies," crafted for individuals eager to understand and navigate the complexities surrounding human rights in their respective societies, addresses this pressing concern head-on. This course provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the intricacies of human rights protection and its undeniable connection to the notion of an open society. It delves into the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), examining its historical context, relevant principles, and its efficacy in safeguarding the rights of individuals against state action. The course equips participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to actively engage in the promotion and protection of human rights in various contexts. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction to the ECHR** The course kicks off by exploring the fundamental concepts of open societies and their link to human rights. This module introduces participants to the ECHR, outlining its significance in shaping international human rights law. By understanding the Convention's background, the rights enshrined within it, and the complaint procedures available to individuals, students lay the groundwork for deeper inquiries into human rights law. 2. **General Principles** This section elucidates how the ECHR assesses claims of rights violations. Participants will learn about the methodologies employed by the Court to evaluate cases, as well as the ethical dilemmas it encounters. This knowledge is crucial for anyone wishing to grasp the legal landscapes surrounding human rights within open societies. 3. **Human Rights and Democracy** Here, the course interlinks human rights with democratic governance. Students will explore what democracy means from a human rights perspective, focusing on voting rights and the protections afforded to political entities under the ECHR. This module is particularly enlightening for those interested in transitional justice and the pathways to democracy following conflict or authoritarianism. 4. **Insiders and Outsiders** This module addresses inclusion and non-discrimination, asking vital questions about the rights of asylum seekers and migrants. It presents complex scenarios regarding the balance between citizens' rights and the protection of non-citizens. By evaluating the implications of human rights universality, this section champions the need for inclusive policies in open societies. 5. **Freedom of Expression and Public Protest** A pivotal aspect of democracy, the freedom of speech and the right to assemble serve as cornerstones for open societies. However, navigating these rights requires careful consideration of their limits, especially in the face of hate speech or discriminatory rhetoric. This module fosters critical thinking about maintaining a balance between freedom and inclusion. 6. **Closure** The course wraps up with a comprehensive assignment encouraging students to integrate their learning and understand interconnections among the topics discussed. This reflective practice reinforces the knowledge gained throughout the course, solidifying the participants' understanding of human rights in open societies. #### Recommendation The "Human Rights for Open Societies" course on Coursera is a highly recommended resource for anyone passionate about societal change, advocacy, law, or politics. It's particularly beneficial for students, activists, public policy makers, and professionals working in human rights fields. The course's well-structured content and engaging modules foster critical discussions and facilitate deep understanding of the nuances involved in human rights protection. Moreover, the course promotes active engagement and practical applications of the learned principles, ensuring that participants not only acquire knowledge but also develop essential skills to defend and promote human rights. In times when many rights are under pressure, this course empowers individuals with the tools needed for advocacy and change, making it an invaluable investment in the future of open societies. Enroll today to become part of the global discourse on human rights and contribute to a more equitable world!

Syllabus

Introduction to the ECHR

The protection of human rights is closely linked to the idea of open societies. In an open society, people enjoy freedom and they are to a large extent free to live their lives as they wish. This week, we explore the idea of open societies and see how it relates to the protection of human rights. We also introduce you to the European Convention on Human Rights. This document forms the foundation for one of the world’s most intricate international human rights systems. Finally, you learn about the background and history of the Convention, the rights that are protected therein and the procedure which individuals can use to lodge a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights.

When someone complains that his or her right to privacy or right to freedom of expression has been violated, the European Court of Human Rights has to assess whether that is truly the case. But how does it do this? In this part of the course, we will focus on the general principles and methods the Court uses in order to assess whether a State has violated the Convention. We will see how the Court approaches human rights cases and learn about the dilemmas it faces in this regard in the context of open societies.

Open societies require a democratic form of government. But how are human rights and democracy linked? In this part of the course, we focus on what democracy entails from a human rights perspective. We also address what voting rights are and how political parties are protected under the European Convention on Human Rights. Finally, we take a look at the protection of political rights in countries in transitions from war to peace and from dictatorship to democracy.

Open societies are all about inclusion. In an open society, everyone should be allowed to participate on an equal footing. No one should be excluded. Equally, human rights should be enjoyed by all people and discrimination is prohibited. Yet, even in an open society, universality of human rights and the prohibition of discrimination may raise many questions. For example, what about the rights of people who are not (yet) citizens of that society, such as asylum seekers? On the one hand, asylum seekers find themselves in the extremely difficult and vulnerable position of being in transit. For that reason, their needs deserve extra consideration. For example, they may need special protection against hostile responses by the local population, they may need food, education and housing, and they must be protected against discrimination. On the other hand, not being citizens, the question is often raised to what extent they should be included and benefit from the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the European Convention on Human Rights. Finding the right balance and solving such dilemmas is crucial in open societies. In this week, we focus on (1) the rights and freedoms of insiders and outsiders under the European Convention, (2) non-discrimination and (3) the protection of vulnerable groups. To illustrate, we pay special attention to the rights of migrants and asylum seekers, as well as of other minority groups.

The right to freely express yourself, the freedom of the press to report news and the right to protest are essential in an open society. The freedom of expression enables you to gather information about public issues and to let others know what you think. The media plays an important role in conveying information about matters of general interest. And public protest enables you to publicly support a cause you believe in. Together, these rights provide the essential conditions for the free and peaceful sharing of thoughts and ideas. Nevertheless, the unlimited freedom to say whatever you want and the freedom to protest might also undermine the openness of society. Hate speech and discriminatory speech, for example, might contribute to the exclusion of minority groups. In this learning unit, we take a closer look at the right to freedom of expression and the right to freedom of assembly. Thereby, we also address the limits of these rights in an open society.

This is the final assignment of the course on Human Rights for Open Societies. In this assignment, the various topics of the course are brought together. The first aim is to help you test the knowledge and insights you have acquired during the course. The second aim is to help you understand the interrelatedness of the main topics discussed.