Summer school at Viadrina: International students in focus!

Summer school at Viadrina: International students in focus!

This year's summer school entitled “The European System of Human Rights Protection” begins on Monday, July 7, 2025 at the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder). Almost 50 students from countries such as Nepal, Senegal, Argentina and Croatia take part in the event. The summer school lasts two weeks and is aimed at Viadrina students as well as international interested parties from almost 20 countries. The organizer, Prof. Dr. Carmen Thiele, adjunct professor of international law, Eastern law and comparative law, emphasizes the high demand: There were more applications than available places. Journalists are invited to report on the program; The email address is used for inquiries presse@europa-uni.de available.

The event series is taking place for the 26th time and is highlighted by various program highlights. Particular attention will be paid to a lecture and conversation with Anna Adamska-Gallant, Judge at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), taking place on Friday 11 July. On July 18, the students are also expected to hold a simulated meeting of the ECtHR. The Court is based in Strasbourg and monitors compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) by contracting states. The ECHR consists of judges from all contracting states.

Program and topics

The summer school addresses key aspects of human rights protection, in particular rights and freedoms under the ECHR. Participants gain insights into the organization and the complaint procedures before the ECtHR. A comparison is also made between the European human rights system and the corresponding systems in America and Africa. The topics presented in advance are intended to help students develop a better understanding of the complexity of international human rights protection.

The ECHR is not only responsible for individual complaints, which enable individuals to take action against contracting states that have violated their rights (Article 34 ECHR), but also for state complaints and expert opinions. According to Article 46 ECHR, contracting states are bound by the decisions of the ECtHR. This includes the obligation to implement judgments, including paying compensation and remedying identified violations of the Convention.

Global perspectives

The relevance of the discussion about human rights is also of great importance in view of global challenges. Human rights violations, such as those documented in the prison camps at the US military base at Guantanamo Bay or in the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, illustrate the urgency of effective human rights protection. So-called “extraordinary extraditions” and the practice of “enforced disappearances” are also the focus of the lectures offered as part of the summer school.

In conclusion, it can be said that the summer school at the European University Viadrina will make a valuable contribution to the training of committed and informed young people in the field of human rights. The program, which focuses on the examination of the ECHR and the European human rights system, offers participants the opportunity to actively address current challenges in human rights protection.