In cooperation with the DiploFoundation 

 

Please note that the application deadline has passed and that applications for this course are no longer being received.

 

ONLINE COURSE 

GLOBAL NORMS AGAINST TERRORISM AT WORK: 

GETTING INTERNATIONAL LAW IN MOTION

 

One of the main challenges in countering terrorism is the development of effective criminal justice strategies integrating rule of law standards and human rights obligations. The Universal legal regime against terrorism, a set of legal norms elaborated by the international community over a time span of more than 40 years, should be the foundation of such a strategy. As the only truly global organization with the goals and means of preserving peace and security, the United Nations organization (UN) is naturally at the forefront of the global action against terrorism.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and DiploFoundation are pleased to present a new online course on the universal legal regime against terrorism. The course aims to strengthen national capacities by assisting criminal justice officials and other individuals involved in counter-terrorism issues to develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively utilize the channels for international legal cooperation envisaged in 16 treaties adopted within the UN system between 1963 and 2005, and a number of binding resolutions of the Security Council. To achieve these aims, the course:

  • introduces the main concepts and requirements of the universal legal regime against terrorism;
  • familiarises participants with the main legal issues involved in counter-terrorism;
  • raises awareness and develops specialized expertise in the effective implementation of relevant legal instruments, including the adoption of appropriate national legislation;
  • raises awareness on the work of the UN on counter-terrorism, international standards and norms, regional arrangements and national obligations in the field of counter-terrorism legislation.

 

Methodology

This course is conducted entirely online, over a period of 6 weeks. Reading materials and tools for online interaction are provided through an online classroom. Each week, participants read the provided lecture text, adding questions, comments, and references in the form of hypertext annotations and links. Lecturers and participants read and respond to the annotations and links, creating interaction based on the text. During the week, participants may also complete additional online activities (further discussion via blogs or fora, quizzes, group tasks, and/or short assignments). At the end of the week, participants and lecturers meet online in a chat room to discuss the week's topic. Courses are based on a collaborative approach to learning, with a high level of interaction.

There is no formal assessment during the course. However, participants will receive individual feedback and guidance on work they submit. Each unit will have several activities intended to serve as study aid/self-assessment mechanisms. Furthermore, the final unit will introduce an assignment that will require independent work.

The course is delivered by staff members of the Terrorism Prevention Branch of the UNODC possessing experience in criminal justice issues and extensive work experience in the provision of legal advisory services and technical assistance worldwide.

 

Topics Covered

  1. Introduction to the Universal Legal Regime against Terrorism
  1. The Universal Legal Regime in context: International Law, UN Charter, UN organs involved in counter-terrorism
  1. Establishing and prosecuting offences
  1. Tools for extradition and mutual legal assistance
  1. Implementing global norms against terrorism at the national level: legal implications and challenges

 

Practical Information

Fees : this course is offered free of charge as part of a capacity-building initiative on the part of UNODC.

Timetable : The course will begin during the last week of October 2008; selected applicants will receive full details of the timetable a few weeks before the course begins.

Who should apply: Criminal justice officers, practicing diplomats, civil servants, and others who work in the legal areas of international cooperation in criminal matters, or are involved in legislative drafting of criminal law texts.

 

Requirements

Applicants for the course must:

  • hold a university degree in Law, preferably with specialization in international/criminal law issues;
  • have at least three years work experience as legal practitioner or governmental official. Involvement in international cooperation matters, especially in criminal matters, is an asset;
  • have sufficient ability in English to undertake postgraduate level studies; have unrestricted access to the Internet using Firefox or Internet Explorer web browsers;
  • be ready to commit a minimum of 6 hours per week to studies for the duration of the course.

Priority will be given to applicants from developing countries.

  

The application deadline is 20 September 2008 .