Online Human Rights Law Programme
A Two-Week Interactive Exploration of International Human Rights Law
Dates: 7-18 November 2026 (except 12th & 13th)
Eligibility: Grades 8 – 12
Fees: USD 600 + VAT
What Is the Online Human Rights Law Programme?
The Online Human Rights Law Programme is an interactive two-week introduction to the foundations, challenges and evolving landscape of international human rights law.
Explore How Human Rights Are Protected, Challenged and Debated Around the World
Step into the world of international law through real-world cases, debates, negotiations and an immersive Model United Nations simulation.
Through lectures, debates, case studies and collaborative activities, students investigate how human rights are created, protected, enforced and contested around the world.
At the heart of the programme is a Model United Nations simulation centred around a fictional human rights crisis in Sealand.
Students analyse international law, represent competing perspectives, negotiate solutions, draft resolutions and present their proposals in a culminating debate.
WHAT WILL STUDENTS EXPLORE?
Foundations of Human Rights
Discover how the modern international human rights system developed and explore the historical events that shaped it.
International Human Rights Protection
Explore how international institutions, treaties, courts and other mechanisms seek to protect fundamental rights.
International Criminal Law
Understand the role of the International Criminal Court and examine how individuals can be held accountable for serious international crimes.
NGOs & Advocacy
Discover how non-governmental organisations investigate abuses, document evidence and influence governments and international institutions.
Rights, Culture & Universality
Debate one of the biggest questions in human rights law: Can human rights truly be universal?
Contemporary Global Challenges
Explore how human rights law responds to issues including conflict, migration, surveillance, artificial intelligence, digital rights and climate change.
YOUR FINAL PROJECT
Model United Nations Human Rights Crisis
A central feature of the programme is a fictional human rights crisis in the nation of Sealand.
Throughout the two weeks, students work collaboratively to investigate the crisis from legal, diplomatic and public-policy perspectives. Each group develops its own legal, policy and diplomatic response to the fictional Sealand human rights crisis.
Students will:
- Represent competing international perspectives
- Investigate relevant international law
- Develop legal and policy arguments
- Negotiate with other groups
- Build diplomatic positions
- Draft proposals and resolutions
- Participate in a formal Model United Nations debate
- Vote on a final resolution
Daily sessions progressively help students strengthen their:
- Legal reasoning
- Diplomacy
- Negotiation
- Public speaking
- Research
- Policy analysis
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork
MEET YOUR MENTOR
Gavin Ridley
International Human Rights Law Specialist | Oxford Law Graduate
Gavin graduated with a law degree from Magdalen College, Oxford and was called to the Bar in 2007.
He has since worked as a legal representative in immigration and human rights law and is currently dual-qualifying as a solicitor.
Alongside his legal practice, he has completed postgraduate study across law-related areas including criminal psychology, international human rights, social policy and animal welfare law.
His professional and academic interests include:
- International human rights law
- Immigration law
- Criminal justice
- Animal rights law
- Social policy
- Space law
His combination of practical legal experience and academic study gives students the opportunity to understand not only the theory behind international human rights law, but how legal principles operate in practice.
Who Should Join?
This programme is designed for Grades 8–12 students who are:
- Interested in law, politics or international relations
- Curious about international human rights
- Considering law as a future degree or career
- Interested in diplomacy or Model United Nations
- Passionate about global affairs and public policy
- Looking to strengthen research and critical-thinking skills
- Interested in developing public-speaking and debating skills
- Preparing for competitive university applications
No prior legal knowledge is required.
Futures Abroad
Phone: +971 58 590 6682
Email: contact@futuresabroad.com