Why this course?

The International Law in the Cyber Era: Finding Balance Between State Interests and Individual Rights 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 seven days over two weeks

  • TARGET AUDIENCE

    Government and civil society legal advisers, diplomats, policy makers, law enforcement personnel, legislators, and other public officials whose work relates to international human rights law and its application in the cyber contex

  • DATES

    7–10 and 14–16 April 2025 at 05:00–10:00 AM UTC (12:00–17:00 in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam; 13:00–18:00 in Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore)

Course Curriculum

    1. Introduction: Key Concepts of International Cyber Law

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

    3. Borders and Human Rights Online

    1. Achieving Effective Governance: Limitations and Derogations

    2. Understanding Online Expression

    3. Expression Online: Limitations

    1. Expression Online: Limitations Continued

    2. Exercise I: Applying the Law in Practice, Expression Focus

    3. Exercise I Debrief: Applying the Law in Practice

    1. Practitioner Perspective Session

    2. Practitioner Perspective Session

    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

    1. Exercise and Enjoyment of Other Rights in Cyberspace

    2. Exercise and Enjoyment of Other Rights in Cyberspace Continued

    3. Exercise II: Applying the Law in Practice, Privacy Focus

About This Course

  • 7–10 and 14–16 April 2025
  • Certified by the University of Reading
  • Apply by 28 March

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 leading international law experts with extensive academic and practical experience

  • Live format – meet with the professors on seven days 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 in South-East Asia

Instructors

Meet Some of Your Instructors:

Marko Milanovic

Professor Marko Milanovic is of-counsel with Cyber Law International. He is also Professor of Public International Law at the University of Reading and a co-editor of EJILTalk, the blog of the European Journal of International Law. Professor Milanovic has held visiting professorships at Michigan Law School, Columbia Law School, Deakin Law School, the University of the Philippines College of Law, and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. He has served as counsel and advisor in proceedings before the International Court of Justice, the European Court of Human Rights, and the Constitutional Court of Serbia, and is the Special Adviser to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on Cyber-Enabled Crimes.

Alexander Seger

Alexander Seger is Head of the Cybercrime Division at the Council of Europe (Strasbourg, France). In that function, he is the Executive Secretary of the Cybercrime Convention Committee in Strasbourg and Head of the Cybercrime Programme Office of the Council of Europe in Bucharest, Romania. He has been with the Council of Europe since 1999 and holds a PhD in political science, law and social anthropology.

Yuval Shany

Professor Yuval Shany is the Hersch Lauterpacht Chair in International Law and former Dean of the Law Faculty of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He also directs the Cyber Law program at the University’s Federmann Cyber Security Research Center and co-directs the Law Faculty’s International Law Forum. Professor Shany is currently a visiting researcher at the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University of Oxford and a visiting professor at King’s College London. He was a member of the UN Human Rights Committee in 2013-2020, including the Committee’s Vice Chair in 2017-2018 and Chair in 2019-2020.

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]