Graduate Studies

Fellowship Course on Human Rights and Democratization Processes

The theoretical framework of truth and justice in periods of transition to democracy has been -and continues to be- an essential component for the construction or reconstruction of fair political regimes in many Latin American societies. Measures such as the establishment of truth commissions, bringing the perpetrators of human rights violations to justice, arbitrating adequate social and individual reparation for the victims and their families, and modifying laws, policies and public institutions, are part of the central agenda for democratization in many countries in the region. Nevertheless, there is growing consensus around the fact that justice in periods of transition to democracy is part of a broader series of concerns, specifically, how to construct and consolidate viable democratic systems that encourage participation and that are respectful of human rights. Among other issues, this broader agenda includes social integration and the fight against exclusion, discrimination and poverty, strengthening the institutions of the rule of law and the methods that guarantee political participation and transparency in governance, accountability, and the fight against corruption.

New developments are taking place in doctrinal, regulatory and practical terms in all these fields. It is therefore essential to provide opportunities that allow professionals who work in these areas to receive training and update their skills. The Fellowship Course addresses this need. Therefore, one of its main objectives is to train a group of up to 25 professional so that they may collaborate in an informed manner in the development of strategies to help consolidate democratic societies in their countries of origin. To this end, the fellowship course seeks to provide a meeting point for academicians and professionals, with emphasis on comparative analysis to allow the students to think in strategic terms about how to build viable democratic societies that encourage participation and are respectful of human rights in their home countries.

The program is intended to help strengthen national and regional organizations that work in this field. Thus, priority is given to applications from qualified candidates who are linked to this type of organization.

The program also provides an opportunity for participants to create or establish links with networks of human rights advocates throughout the region. This Fellowship Course, while not offered in 2008, was conducted four times previously, training about 100 graduate fellows. For information on previous fellowship courses, click here .