LLM in Human Rights Specialising in Reproductive and Sexual Rights The Centre for Human Rights Studies in the Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, South Africa, invites applications for admission to study for a Masters Degree (LLM) in Human Rights specialising in Reproductive and Sexual Rights. The LLM in Human Rights specialising in Reproductive and Sexual Rights is the first of its kind on the African continent. It is running for the first time in 2005. It is an international programme that is aimed at equipping committed lawyers from the African continent with academic and practical skills for securing the realisation of reproductive and sexual rights at a domestic as well as an international level. The course is full-time and is presented over one academic year (February to November). It has the following four components: • Module 1: Introduction to reproductive and sexual health • Module 2: Linking human rights principles with reproductive and sexual health • Module 3: Selected reproductive and sexual health rights issues • Dissertation: 15 000-word dissertation on a domestic/regional reproductive and sexual health rights topic Instruction is through weekly seminars with a distinct emphasis on learner participation. The lecturers that lead seminars are drawn from the University of the Free State as well as from other universities in South Africa and beyond. The medium of class instruction is English. Admission is on a competitive basis. Bursaries are available for limited number of students from East Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa that are committed to returning to their countries upon completing the course. Applicants must already be in possession of a first degree in Law (LLB or equivalent). Applications must be accompanied by the following documents: 1. Curriculum Vitae (including full contact details) 2. Certified copy of first degree in Law 3. Transcript of first degree in Law indicating all course taken and marks obtained 4. A letter indicating your financial position and why you need financial assistance 5. Two letters of recommendation 6. A one-page letter indicating why you wish to do the course You are not required to complete an application form at this stage. Applications and enquires should be directed to: Ms Hanlie Erasmus Faculty of Law University of the Free State Room CRS 30 Nelson Mandela Drive Bloemfontein 9300 SOUTH AFRICA Tel: +27 +51 + 4012451 Fax: +27 +51 + 4480381 E-mail: Erasmush.rd@mail.uovs.ac.za Deadline for applications: The closing date for application is 31 August of each year. LLM degree on Human Rights specializing in reproductive and sexual health rights. The Programme’s objectives: In the short-term, the Masters Programme seeks to secure the following goals: • to equip the learner with knowledge and understanding of reproductive and sexual health rights from domestic and international perspectives • to equip the learner with research skills in reproductive and sexual health rights • to equip the learner with advocacy skills for promoting reproductive and sexual health rights • to equip the learner with practical skills for securing the realization of reproductive and sexual health rights It should be stressed, however, that the goals of the Masters Programme go beyond the mere enrichment of the learner. Ultimately, by way of by-products, the Masters Programme should yield to individuals, and communities in Africa tangible social benefits, including; • the grooming of leaders with a capacity to influence the social transformation of societies • raising of public awareness about reproductive and sexual health rights • increasing the public understanding of reproductive and sexual health rights • enhancing the capacity of groups, networks or organisations that promote reproductive and sexual rights and related rights, including gender rights in home countries • advancing the reproductive and sexual health of individuals and communities • combating discrimination and stigma surrounding reproductive and sexual health rights • influencing interventions in reproductive and sexual health at national and regional levels • influencing policy-making in reproductive and sexual health at national and regional levels The Masters Programme is a full-time 12-months’ programme. It takes the form of a structured LLM degree. It is a prescribed advanced study programme with a minimum of 50% research component. It comprises of three modules and a dissertation. The assessment of the programme consists of the following: • an assignment in each module of at least 3 000 words, which carries a weight of at least 25% of the final mark in the module • a three-hour examination paper in each of the three modules • a dissertation of a maximum of 15 000 of a publishable standard The Masters Programme will be housed in the Centre for Human Rights Studies of the Faculty of Law of the University of the Free State. After completion of the formal 12-month’s programme, the learners will serve an internship of approximately three months with appropriate organisations in their home countries. The internship is designed to achieve the following goals: • to provide the learner with an opportunity to integrate knowledge acquired on the Masters Programme with practice in an African country • to provide the learner with an opportunity to integrate into their home country • to enhance capacity building in Africa by offering learners an incentive to return and serve in their home countries The three modules: 1. Introduction to reproductive and sexual health 2. Linking human rights with reproductive and sexual health 3. Application of human rights to selected reproductive and sexual health issues The fourth component: A 15 000 word dissertation on reproductive and sexual health rights Module 1: Introduction to reproductive and sexual health 1. Basic concepts of health and human rights and the link thereof (concept of health, definition, global perspectives 2. Global overview of health, reproductive health and sexual health (safe motherhood, fertility, abortion, sexually transmitted infections, female genital cutting). 3. Health care systems and rights concerning health with particular reference to reproductive and sexual health (facilities and resources, allocation of resources) 4. Ethics and health care (nature of bioethics, principles of bioethics, role of bioethics, reproductive and sexual health ethics). 5. Evolution of reproductive and sexual health law Module 2: Linking human rights principles with reproductive and sexual rights 1. Sources and nature of human rights 2. Rights relating to reproductive and sexual health 3. Application of human rights to reproductive and sexual health, including: • right to equality • right to life • right to human dignity and to be free from inhuman and degrading treatment • right to health • right to information and education • right to sexual self-determination • right to reproductive self-determination • right to maternity protection in employment • right to liberty and security • right to privacy • right to marry and found a family 4. Implementation of human rights principles 4.1 Developing a legal claim • identifying the wrong, its causes and the wrongdoer • documenting alleged wrong • determining which laws are implicated • identifying standards for determining laws that have been breached • assessing how to pursue effective remedies • determining which agencies or individuals are bound to provide remedies 4.2 Advancing a legal claim in domestic law, including • courts of law • alternative dispute resolution • regulatory and disciplinary procedures • legislative approaches • human rights commissions • Ombudsmen 4.3 Advancing a legal claim under international human rights law, including • reporting procedures • complaint procedures • inquiry and communication • adjudication and remedies Module 3: Selected reproductive and sexual health issues, including: • contraception • abortion • assisted reproduction • sterilization • Access to health care, including HIVAIDS treatment and prevention • female genital cutting • domestic violence • maternal death