Why this course?

The Human Rights Online executive course delves into the complexities of managing online threats in a manner that also safeguards individual rights. As the internet both facilitates the exercise of human rights and poses threats to individual freedoms, it is crucial for individuals involved in protecting public interests and managing online risks to develop skills to address these challenges in line with international human rights law. By delving into issues of real-world significance, this practitioner-oriented course equips participants with the knowledge necessary to address novel legal and policy challenges effectively.

  • FORMAT

    Live sessions on Zoom on six days over three weeks. Weekly time commitment of 10 hours.

  • TARGET AUDIENCE

    Government officials working in cyber affairs, including lawyers, diplomats, policy makers, cyber operators; staff of intergovernmental human rights organizations and NGOs; employees of technology companies; attorneys; human rights law scholars and students.

  • UPCOMING DATES

    The next iteration of this course is taking place on Thursdays and Fridays of three consecutive weeks: 6–7, 13–14 and 20–21 March 2025 at 13:00–18:00 UTC.

Course Curriculum

    1. Course Overview and Requirements

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    2. Frequently Asked Questions

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    1. Key Concepts of International Law Relevant in the Human Rights Online Context

    2. Sources, Nature, Evolution and Enforcement of Human Rights Obligations in Cyberspace

    3. Borders and Human Rights Online

    4. Business and Human Rights: Rights, Obligations, Best Practices and Governance of Technology Companies

    5. Achieving Effective Governance: Limitations and Derogations

    6. Practitioner Perspective: Human Rights Implications of Cybercrime Laws

    1. Understanding Online Expression

    2. Limitations on Freedom of Expression Online: Online Hate Speech, Incitement to Violence, Website/Application Blocking, Content Moderation, Internet Shut- and Slowdowns

    3. Limitations on Freedom of Expression Online: Cyber Defamation, Mis-/Disinformation Laws

    4. Practitioner Perspective: Regulating Speech on Social Media

    5. Applying the Law in Practice: Online Freedom of Expression Exercise

    6. Applying the Law in Practice: Online Freedom of Expression Exercise Debrief

    1. Understanding Privacy Online

    2. Privacy Online: Balancing Privacy and Security in Surveillance Activities

    3. Personal Data Protection in the Digital Era: The GDPR Case Study

    4. Exercise and Enjoyment of Other Human Rights in Cyberspace

    5. Applying the Law in Practice: Online Privacy Exercise

    6. Applying the Law in Practice: Online Privacy Exercise Debrief

    1. Course Survey

About This Course

  • March 2025
  • 18 lessons
  • Early bird registration until 31 December

Course Features

Expect all this and more from the leading University of Reading certified course on the application of international human rights law in the digital context.

  • World-renowned faculty – learn from the leading international human rights law experts with extensive academic and practical experience

  • Live format – meet with the professors on two days per week over three weeks for lectures, seminar style discussions and interactive case study sessions

  • Practical focus – practitioner-oriented course that focuses on issues of real-world significance, such as freedom of expression and privacy online

  • Certified by the University of Reading – upon successful completion of the course (attendance at all sessions required), receive an executive education certificate of completion

  • Community building – meet colleagues working in human rights and cyber affairs from around the world

Participant Testimonials

"The Course has been very useful for me to understand the applicability of international human rights law in cyberspace. The case studies, particularly, have helped me understand how countries may apply IHRL differently and how ongoing developments in cyberspace may shape its governance." 

Course for ASEAN countries, April 2024

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"It honestly felt like visiting other parts of the world from the comfort of my office chair. The course is well-paced yet packed with international human rights law education and discussions. As a Southeast Asian, the course unlocked a new dimension of thinking for me!"

Course for ASEAN countries, April 2024

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"This course provided me with invaluable insights and knowledge that I couldn't have gained elsewhere. The depth of expertise of the instructors was commendable, I would recommend this to my colleagues."

Course for ASEAN countries, April 2024

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"Very insightful course. I would 200% recommend for human rights and cyber professionals."

Tshenolo, Botswana, February 2024

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"I took the course with the intention to learn more on cyber law for my application in my work as a human rights lawyer. The course did not disappoint. Not only did I learn various aspects of cyber law and how to apply them but I also saw opportunities for advocacy at national level. I would urge other professional persons to take this course."

Grace Wezi Jere, Malawi Human Rights Commission, February 2024

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"Participating in this informative course on international law in the cyber era was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Presentations given by experts in the field help me improve my understanding of the evolving human rights issues in the digital era. The state has certain obligations regarding freedom of speech, including the application of justification tests. These tools are used to assess the adherence to human rights in cyber law."

Major Georges Nkuwa Milosi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, February 2024

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"This is a must attend course for every professional in the Cyber/Human Rights space!"

Vicky Adotey, Office of the Attorney-General, Ghana, February 2024

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"The online executive course on international law in the cyber era was truly enlightening, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of various facets of applying international law in cyberspace. The practical exercises proved invaluable in solidifying our learning, allowing us to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Additionally, the insightful debrief sessions with Professor Marko Milanovic provided invaluable insights and further enriched our understanding. As a participant, I'm grateful for the opportunity to deepen my expertise in this increasingly vital field."

Leonardo Lima, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico, February 2024

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"Understanding international law in the cyber era has been facilitated by the University of Reading's online Executive course. It was a great experience learning from renowned Professors. I strongly recommend this course to those interested in cyber law." 

Dr. Forfeke Percy Ndaseh, Deputy State Prosecutor, High Court of Kupe Muanenguba, Cameroon, February 2024

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"This course provided an excellent opportunity to address my mind to meeting modern challenges utilising existing international law. It also provoked serious thought about the ways in which the law needs to continue to develop and evolve if we are to demonstrate a sufficient level of seriousness about the protection of human rights within the cyber space. I would unreservedly recommend this course!"

February 2024

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"Excelente curso, muy buena organizacion y contenidos claros y precisos."

Liseth A. Noriega Leal, Colombian Armed Forces, February 2024

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"J'ai vraiment aimé ce cours parce qu'il touche à différentes questions des frontières entre le cyber espace et les droits de l'homme, certes des préoccupations non encore résolues mais très intéressantes en ce qui concerne les futurs développements que doivent envisager les instruments internationaux de protection des droits de l'homme face au développement spectaculaire du cyberespace."

Yovin Elom Yao Dzinadza, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Togo, February 2024

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"Ce cours a largement contribué à enrichir ma compréhension des divers concepts liés à ce domaine en constante évolution. Les discussions animées avec les autres participants, les exemples concrets et les thématiques abordées m'ont permis d'approfondir mes connaissances et de me sentir davantage consciente des enjeux du monde virtuel. Je suis convaincue que cette expérience aura un impact durable sur ma façon d'interagir et de naviguer dans le cyberespace."

Oumoul Koulsoumi Oumarou, Ministry of Justice, Cameroon, February 2024

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"I am satisfied with the training. It was one of my best learning experiences. The material was well explained and practical."

Alick Mponela, Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority, September 2023

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"This opportunity has not only broadened my horizons but has also inspired me to contribute meaningfully to the protection of human rights in the digital realm."

Dida M. Sengendo, National Information Technology Authority, Uganda, September 2023

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"This course has equipped me with much needed skills to appreciate international human rights law in the cyber space."

Ian Solomon Obbo, National Information Technology Authority, Uganda, September 2023

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"El curso tomado enriqueció enormemente mi vision sobre los Derechos Humanos, es espectacular poder debatir con docentes de talla mundial y colegas de todos los rincones del mundo para entender su vision de los Derechos Humanos y su aplicación alrededor del mundo. Gracias por la oportunidad."

September 2023

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"This course was worth every minute!"

Jamila Akaaga Ade, Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigeria, September 2023

Have questions? Is your nation or organisation interested in supporting our scholarship programme?

Reach out to us at [email protected]