Report on the “International Human Rights Academy 2009″, Cape Town, South Africa

(The report is only available in English)

Date: 16 – 31/10/2009

Participant: Shimrit Goldenberg, Senior Law Clerk to the Honorable Justice E. Arbel, Supreme Court of Israel, Jerusalem

Lately I was given the opportunity, by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, to participate in the 2009 International Human Rights Academy, held in Cape Town, South Africa between the 16 – 31/10/2009. These were intensive two weeks during with we had the opportunity to be learn and discuss various topics regarding human rights and to the challenges those topics present. It was a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and to share the professional experience of the participants, coming from all around the globe.

FNF Seminar

Participants supported by the FNF arrived to Cape Town two days earlier than the rest of participants. We participated in an introductory seminar held by the Naumann Foundation on “Liberalism and Human Rights”. The seminar, moderated by Dr. Stefan Melnik, introduced us with the basic principles of Liberalism. We had a long, in-depth discussion with regard to relations of liberal theory and human rights, and mainly how does Liberal thinking contribute to the preservation of human rights. During the second half of the day we were asked to discuss, in working groups, some human rights issues typical to our countries and to analyze them from a liberal perspective. My impression, and I will elaborate later, is that the working groups are valuable in such a course. The discussions in the working group enabled us to share the dilemmas and challenges concerning human rights with which our countries are facing. It has also shown us that while all the participants share the concern and commitment for human rights, there are significant differences when it comes to implementing the agreed upon principles on a concrete situation.

Dr. Melnik was an inspiring lecturer. His lectures were very interesting, he shared with us his rich experience and presented the topic very clearly.I thought that the seminar was proper starting point for the course. Hence, I suggest that all the participants of the International Human Right Academy will take part in it.

On the Second day the FNF arranged for us a guided tour around Cape Town. We visited the main sites in the city and got to know each other better. The tour was another option for us to get to know each other better and share some time together.

The lectures

The program of the 2009 International Human Rights Academy included lectures on various topics of human rights. In general, The first week focused on Human rights mechanisms and the different human rights systems, whereas the during the second we discussed more specific themes as women’s rights, transitional justice, international criminal law and children’s rights. Indeed, this is one of the main advantages of the course: receiving high quality legal education in many different issues related to human rights. During those intensive two weeks we heard lectures by experts that managed to combine both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Given that most participants have some background in the field of human rights, I think this combination of theory and experience is vital. We had excellent lecturers and the level of lectures was high. The lectures were enriching and presented us with the normative framework of each topic, as well as with the current challenges and obstacles. Each topic was presented and was thoroughly analyzed. However, I suggest that the organizers will consider combining the lectures with working groups. My impression is that working group will enable the participants to share and discuss their own experience, as well as the human rights issues that they are facing with in their own homelands. There is not enough time for such a discussion during a “regular” lecture, not even if the lecturer encourages the participants to express themselves freely and comment.

Another comment is that there were issues of utmost importance that in my opinion were not sufficiently discussed. I refer mainly to the lecture on immigration and refugees. These are two completely different topics with which many countries deal and ponder as for the appropriate approach to them. However, these two topics were discussed – together – in only one lecture. Hence we had enough time to briefly mention the relevant conventions, but not to discuss thoroughly the current problems and dilemmas that these two subjects raise and the ways to deal with them.

Did I get the answer to all the questions I had? Well, I guess I got some answers and was left with other questions “unsolved”, but I have better tools to examine them now.

Participants

31 participants from different countries attended this year’s International Human Rights Academy. The composition of the group was most interesting. The fact that the classmates come from different professional and cultural backgrounds – and still share the commitment to human rights – had a significant added value. It has also given the participants a better understanding of human rights situations all around the globe. The group consisted mainly of lawyers, academics and participants with a political science background. This unique mixture gave us the opportunity to be exposed to different point of views and to different approaches.

Staff

The course was very well arranged. Both the International Human Rights staff and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation were incredible. They were all willing to help and had a solution to any potential problem. They did everything possible to make our stay in Cape Town pleasant and took care of everything. Every detail was thought about in advance. Everything was well arranged from the very beginning to the very end of the course.

Accommodation

The 2009 International Human Rights Academy was held in The Fountains Hotel, Cape Town. The Hotel Facilities were excellent. The rooms were private, clean and cozy and the hotel staff was friendly and willing to help. Classes took place at the Fountains Hotel as well. The facilities in the classroom were satisfying as well.

Field Trip

We had one field trip to Robben Island. I found this as important as the lectures. In Robben Island the principles we have talked about during the Academy became so vivid. I strongly suggest continuing having such a field trip, related to human rights.

To conclude

Attending the 2009 international Human Rights Academy was a significant experience for me. I got in-depth knowledge regarding various human rights issues and was presented with different ways to approach to them. Hearing my colleagues at the Academy, I understood the importance of international co-operation as a means to improve not only the preservation of human rights around the globe, but as essential means to deal with global issues. The Academy had an added value for me – I got to know people from all around the globe, including from countries that as an Israeli I do not get to meet often.

I cannot say that I feel that I got answers to all the questions I had. More questions rose. But I got more knowledge; I was exposed to different points of view and I have a clear set of values that should be used as a guide while examining such questions. I am thankful for this enriching experience.

Shimrit Goldenberg