In all regions of the world, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) persons are subject to discrimination, persecution, violence, and other forms of human rights violations. Monitoring the extent of such human rights abuses is key to identify root causes, gaps in implementation, and avenues for redress.

The Global Campus of Human Rights (GC) is proud to offer again one of its most successful Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Funded by the EU and with contributions by lecturers and experts from all the regions of the world, the GC MOOCs provide free and open access to highly qualified learning on topical human rights concerns.

Course Outline

The Programme is structured in three Modules.

• Module 1 focuses on international definitions and legal frameworks concerning LGBTI persons and their rights and related monitoring mechanisms. Theoretical aspects are accompanied by examples of concrete challenges and practices in order to generally frame and give context to the international discourse.
• Module 2 is dedicated to specific contexts and challenges in the areas of societal attitudes, equality and non-discrimination, laws and policies (including decriminalisation), specific rights and freedoms. Analysis and examples from different regions provide an overview of the many situations faced by LGBTI persons worldwide.
• Module 3 deals with the monitoring in practice of LGBTI rights in terms of specific actions, strategies and practices: reporting, strategic litigation, advocacy strategies, and synergies (between international and regional systems; among governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental actors).

Lecturers and Experts

Reflecting the international spirit and multidimensional approach of the Global Campus of Human Rights, the course is taught by academics and experts (read bios here) drawn from all regions of the world and a cross-section of constituencies, enabling participants to benefit from rich and varied competences, experiences and knowledge. The MOOC has been developed in coordination with Nele Verbrugghe and her colleagues at KU Leuven.

Victor Madrigal-Borloz

UN Independent Expert on Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Douglas Sanders

Academic Associate, Institute of Human Rights, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Nele Verbrugghe

PhD researcher at the Leuven Centre for Public Law (University of Leuven, Belgium)

Frans Viljoen

Director of the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria

Carlos Zelada

Head of the Academic Department of Law at Universidad del Pacífico

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course participants will have gained:

• Knowledge about international standards for the protection of the human rights of LGBTI persons
• Awareness of international and regional monitoring mechanisms in the area of sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics
• Information on some contextual situations and challenges
• Knowledge of some practical strategies on human rights monitoring and advocacy related to the human rights of LGBTI persons

F.A.Q.s

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Enrolment

How do I enrol in the course?

In order to enrol, please follow the instructions on our “How to Enrol” webpage. This will then lead you to the OpenEdX course page. Once you are there, you can start the enrolment process by clicking the "enrol" button.

Is there a selection procedure to participate in the course?

The course is a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), which means we do not select participants on any basis. Rather, we welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about the topic to enrol and participate for free.

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Fees

I would like to know if the course is free or if some parts are to be paid

Our course is a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), which means all components are open and totally free for anyone.

Do I need to pay any fee to attend the course?

There are no registration or tuition fees. The certificate of participation is also free and offered to all those who successfully complete all the course requirements (see below for details on the certificate).

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Accessibility

Is the course accessible to persons with disabilities?

We want all participants in our courses to enjoy a great learning experience and we strive to always improve accessibility. Each week of the course includes one or two video lectures with accompanying transcripts and reading materials. The texts are in PDF format, work at low bandwidths, are printable and can be zoomed to the desired size. Some readings may include pages from accessible websites. This makes all of them accessible to those who use assistive technology software such as screen readers. Likewise, weekly discussions and module quizzes can be completed through our platform which is accessible, for example, to people who use speech input, keyboard accessible controls or text to speech tools. For more details please visit EdX Website Accessibility Policy.

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Structure and content

Is there a schedule for the course or is it self-directed?

The course is self-paced so participants can study in their own time.

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Certificate of completion

What does it mean “Audit-only”? Will I get a certificate?

Auditors can complete any or all the parts of the course at their own pace, but will not receive a certificate. Participants who want proof of completion can simply print the progress chart that they will find in their course page.

I am not interested in a certificate. Can I still audit the course?

Yes. All our courses can be audited for free. If you audit a course, you can participate in any or all activities and quizzes and complete them, but you will not receive a certificate. Do you still want some proof of participation? You can simply print the progress chart that you will find in your course page.