Spring School in Climate Justice and Human Rights

Call for applications – 1st European Cross-Regional Spring School on Climate Justice & Human Rights (Moldova, 20-26 May)

 

The Global Campus with the GC Caucasus and the Moldova State University (MSU) are glad to announce the admissions to the “1st European Cross-Regional Spring School on Climate Justice & Human Rights”.
Made possible thanks to the support of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, the School is the flagship activity of the ongoing cooperation between the GC and the State University, aimed at developing new and cutting-edge human rights education courses.
Embracing inter-disciplinarity and a cross-regional approach, the School is organized together with the MSU Faculties of Law and Biology, and in synergy with the GC Europe/EMA and GC South East Europe/ERMA programmes. This partnership will allow for the activity to bring together academia, civil society, and human rights defenders from Moldova and EU neighbourhood and enlargement countries eastwards.

 

About

 

Environmental rights and climate justice education are thematic pillars of the current GC action. A critical study of these ever more topical subjects can support the achievement of a fairer and more sustainable future by teaching individuals and communities about the effects of climate change and the implication of taking action to counteract it, including pushing for policies that address climate change and social justice. Understanding the systemic and structural factors contributing to both climate change and social injustice is the initial step toward envisioning and advocating for solutions that address these root causes. This is particularly true in the developing countries of South-Eastern and Caucasian Europe, which confront deficiencies in effective and rights-based environmental policies.

 

Course Outline

 

The School is designed as a unique academic initiative, the first of its kind in this region, and will focus on the nexus among human rights, climate justice, sustainable development, and the well-being of children, youth, and future generations. It will particularly address the common dynamics and priorities specific to the South Eastern Europe and Caucasus regions.

The School runs in May 20th-26th as a residential activity taking places in a scenic venue on the outskirts of Chisinau, ideal for fostering an environment conducive to learning and networking” The schedule will involve a full-time commitment, with daily classes and workshops, complemented by an opening experts’ panel, a field visit and two social activities.

Incorporating a robust theoretical framework and a pragmatic skills-building approach, the Spring School will delve into various facets of climate justice education with a focus on comprehensive understanding and practical application. The curriculum will center on the following key area:

 

  • International and European Legal Frameworks related to climate justice and human rights
  • Principles Underpinning Climate Justice in the Context of Governance
  • Intersections of Democracy, Environmental Rights and Climate Justice
  • (Youth) Activism, Advocacy, Collaborative Policies
  • Understanding the Nexus between Armed Conflicts and Climate Justice
  • Ethical Considerations in the Pursuit of Climate Justice
  • Intersectionality of Climate Justice and Social Equality: gender-based approach
  • Art, Cinema, Communication and Greenwashing in Climate Justice advocacy
  • Sustainable and Green Development in the EU and International Context

 

By synthesizing theoretical insights with practical skills, participants will be equipped to navigate complex climate justice issues with efficacy and foresight, thus contributing to meaningful progress in the realm of environmental advocacy and social justice.

All selected participants who successfully attend the whole School will receive a certificate of completion jointly issued by the GC and MSU. Additionally, MA-level or postgraduate students who wish to obtain 5 ECTS, will have to pass a final examination to take place remotely after the School.

 

Lecturers and Experts

 

Students will have the opportunity to meet and engage with leading academics, practitioners and human rights defenders from the Global Campus participating universities, the Right Livelihood, and other key partners, as well as from regional civil society organizations.

 

Who can apply?

 

Eligible participants are university students, early-career professionals, researchers, and emerging environmental rights defenders or practitioners from Eastern Partnership countries (Moldova, Armenia, Ukraine, Georgia) and the Western Balkans (BiH, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo) who want to gain an introductory understanding of the subject, or that own basic expertise. Additionally, up to two positions are open to EU citizens. GC alumni holding citizenship from these countries are encouraged to apply.

 

Costs

 

The School is free of charge. Moreover, all accommodation and stay costs are covered by the organizers. Travel costs (plane, train, or bus) will be reimbursed after the event.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your candidacy by March 24th at the link below. Selected participants will be notified by March 29th. The Global Campus of Human Rights reserves the right to select participants based on their academic and professional profile, and to ensure the creation of a balanced students’ body. Applicants fulfilling the conditions for participation will be accepted based on a “first enrolled, first in” policy.

 

Practical Information

 

Selected participants are expected to check-in at the School venue on Sunday 19th and check-out on Sunday 26th.
They need to first reach Chisinau by plane, train or bus, then the organizers will provide transportation from the city to the School venue and back. Invitation letters to pass immigration controls will be provided. Check about your visa requirements here.

The Global Campus holds the right to use pictures and videos of the participants taken during the course for its own communication purposes, unless disagreement with this policy is expressed by a participant.

This project is part of the GC Capacity Development programme. For more information please contact  capacitydevelopment@gchumanrights.org

Application Form

All fields with asterisk (*) are mandatory