“Studying human rights is more important than ever” – Takeaways of the participants in the Summer School on European Human Rights Protection

Antonella Campobasso Losacco, PhD Candidate in Linguistics, Italy

As a non-law student, this summer school was incredibly enriching. In Italy, I work as a cultural and linguistic mediator in the integration and social inclusion of asylum seekers and refugees, and I also work at my city's criminal court. This programme allows me to return with deeper legal knowledge, which will make my work even more valuable. It truly is a multidisciplinary profession. Lawyers need greater cultural awareness, and cultural mediators need a stronger legal background.

My highlights were the seminars on the prohibition of discrimination and the one on freedom of religion. The topic of freedom of religion is highly relevant in Italy, home to Vatican City and the Pope, and I felt genuinely involved because the professor worked with concrete cases, including Italian ones. In the class on the prohibition of discrimination, instead of the usual message that « discrimination is wrong », the professor went far beyond the legal framework. 

The cross-border dimension of this programme - courses in Germany, accommodation in Poland, crossing the border every day - was an experience in itself. 

Luigi Usai, recent law graduate, Italy

Having dedicated courses on specific human rights within the European protection system was fascinating for me, as I am particularly interested in the effectiveness of human rights.

Beyond the lessons, the best part was the truly international crowd, not only from Europe, but from all over the world. Interacting with them and getting to know their cultures was a unique experience.

Lesson learnt: don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, to speak up and to share your experiences. It genuinely makes you a better person.

Mila Wischnewski, Master of Laws, Germany

I have been specialising in the field of human rights for some time, and I was looking forward to gaining in-depth knowledge of the European system of human rights protection.

My highlight was the opportunity to ask professors questions that go to the very core of human rights discourses, debates and problems, for example, medical non-refoulement in the context of postcolonial debates in human rights. We need an approach that combines solid normative knowledge of human rights and their legal foundations with space for practical experience and critical perspectives.

I truly appreciated the open and welcoming atmosphere. There was a genuinely open and engaging way of interacting with one another.

Mohyeldin Suliman, Law Student, Scotland

Studying human rights is more important than ever, at a time when they are under greater threat than they have been in a long while. The highlight of this summer school was the depth of the normative discussions - engaging with niche cases and issues that are contemporary and highly relevant today.

The experience, both during and outside the classes, was thoroughly positive. Travelling between Poland and Germany every day offered a real insight into life in Europe.
Learning about human rights in such a multiethnic context, alongside people from so many different backgrounds, was enlightening and truly horizon-broadening.