Essex Human Rights Centre

Brilliant day yesterday gathering our current Clinic students, alumni, and partner organisations to showcase the projects being carried out at Essex Human Rights Centre Clinic.

We are so proud of our students for the impact they’ve made and continue to make in areas of human rights ranging from arbitrary detention to indigenous rights.

Join the University of Essex Human Rights Centre for our 2026 Human Rights Summer School — an interactive online programme designed for professionals and postgraduate students looking to build real-world knowledge.

✨ Learn from leading experts
✨ Explore AI governance, environmental rights & justice
✨ Connect with a global network of changemakers

🚨 Don’t miss the early bird discount (ends 5 June!)

🔗 Apply now: https://www.essex.ac.uk/short-courses/human-rights-summer-school

Applications now Open!

The Essex Human Rights Centre and the Essex Armed Conflict and Crisis Hub are pleased to present their highly successful practical development course for professionals, postgraduate students, and practitioners working across humanitarian, human rights, government, and international sectors.

Dates: 3 – 7 August 2026
Format: In person at University of Essex, Colchester Campus
Certificate: Issued by the Essex Human Rights Centre

Delivered by leading practitioners in international human rights and armed conflict, this intensive programme explores how international law regulates armed conflict, balances military necessity and humanity, and protects affected populations.

Topics include:
 Introduction to the course: Overview of legal frameworks and bodies
 Classification of conflicts (international and non-international conflicts)
 Targeting and conduct of hostilities
 Protection of civilians
 Detention
 Implementation and national investigations
 Interplay of IHL/IHRL
 The use of intelligence in armed conflicts
 Refugees, displaced persons, humanitarian aid
 International criminal law
 Case study: Assassinations

The course also includes a welcome dinner and keynote lecture on armed conflict and new technologies.

Applications are now open — explore the programme and book your place:

International Law in Armed Conflict | University of Essex The Essex Human Rights Centre presents a four day practical development course, taught by leading practitioners in the field of international Human Rights and Armed Conflict. The International Law in Armed Conglict course will be held in person at our Colchester campus, over four days from Tuesday 3...

Essex research has helped to shape a new UN report that highlights how decriminalising drugs could help reduce HIV transmission and improve public health worldwide.

The guidance, informed by Essex Human Rights Centre's Julie Hannah, shows how punitive laws can increase harm, while offering a practical roadmap for governments to take action.

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Essex LATAM Talks: Holding States Accountable in International Law . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. The University of Essex School of Law and Human Rights Centre invite you to a one hour session exploring how international law is used to hold states accountable, with a focus on arbitrary detention, ecocide, and housing and social rights in Latin America. The discussion brings together UN human rig...

International Law in Armed Conflict – Applications now open!
The Essex Human Rights Centre, in partnership with the Essex Armed Conflict and Crisis Hub, is now accepting applications for an intensive short course on International Law in Armed Conflict.
This in‑person programme is designed for professionals, postgraduate students and practitioners working across humanitarian, human rights, government and international sectors.

Course details
📅 3–7 August 2026
📍 In person, University of Essex, Colchester Campus
🎓 Certificate issued by the Essex Human Rights Centre

The course is taught by leading practitioners in international human rights and armed conflict law. Participants will:

♦️ learn the core legal principles and frameworks regulating armed conflict
♦️ explore the practical challenges of implementing these rules
♦️ understand the law governing the conduct of hostilities, including distinction, proportionality and the use of weapons
♦️ gain insight into protections for detainees, civilians in occupied territory and other affected populations

♦️ Examine legal frameworks protecting refugees and internally displaced persons
♦️ understand accountability mechanisms at national and international levels
♦️ consider emerging and future challenges, including cyber operations and artificial intelligence

Why join?
This course offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from experienced practitioners while building practical knowledge relevant to today’s complex conflict environments.

👉 Explore the course and book your place:

International Law in Armed Conflict | University of Essex The Essex Human Rights Centre presents a four day practical development course, taught by leading practitioners in the field of international Human Rights and Armed Conflict. The International Law in Armed Conglict course will be held in person at our Colchester campus, over four days from Tuesday 3...

Huge congratulations to Oliver Goldsmith, Kubra Ozdemir and Sawyer Wright, LLM students in International Human Rights Law at the University of Essex, who represented the Essex Human Rights Centre at the 49th edition of the Jean‑Pictet Competition.

The team demonstrated outstanding legal skill, teamwork and resilience in this intensive international humanitarian law training. We are especially proud that Oliver Goldsmith received a special individual award, recognising his exceptional performance during the competition. 👏

Read more in our latest blog post: https://hrcessex.wordpress.com/2026/03/27/essex-human-rights-llm-team-gives-a-stellar-performance-at-the-49th-edition-of-the-jean-pictet-competition/

📢 Last chance to apply!
Applications are still open for the Human Rights Leadership Lab – but not for long!

📅 21, 22, 28 April and 5, 12, 19 May 2026

✅ Acquire new leadership strategies, skills and tools
✅ Build a healthier and more sustainable working environment
✅ Be empowered to lead more mindfully and conduct impactful human rights work
✅ Grow your community and network with like-minded human rights professionals

Don’t miss your chance – applications close soon!
👉 Apply now:

Human Rights Leadership Lab | University of Essex The Essex Human Rights Centre presents a live online course for Human Rights Leaders. This is a practical professional development course, comprising six four-hour modules.