INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT

Tutor prof. Dr. iur. Harald Christian Scheu Mag. phil., Ph.D.

This LL.M. study programme focuses on international human rights law and the protection of environment by offering an interdisciplinary approach to these two fields, which are closely connected in international legal theory and practice. The international protection of human rights and freedoms as well as the international and national protection of environment are marked by very dynamic developments. Both of these fields have become the key agendas of various international organisations at the universal and regional levels.

The range of optional subjects enables the flexible cooperation with external teachers and teachers from abroad. Some of the courses can be carried out in the form of an intensive one-week training.

Students are required to complete 5 mandatory courses (8 credits for each). Moreover, they have to choose and complete at least 4 optional courses (5 credits for each). In the third semester, students are expected to attend a LL.M. Thesis Seminar (5 credits), to complete the LL.M. Thesis under the supervision of a tutor and to defend it before an examination committee (25 credits).
 

  • Mandatory courses

    Winter Semester:

    Theory and Practice of Public International Law, responsible supervisor: prof. JUDr. Pavel Šturma, DrSc.

    The course aims at providing an insight into the most important developments of both theory and the practice of international law. Students are supposed to already have certain knowledge of basic concepts of public international law. The subject is presented in a historical perspective, taking into account the Czech point of view. However, the course will focus mainly on the current issues, such as the problems of fragmentation of international law and proliferation of international judicial mechanisms.

    International and European Environmental Law and Policy, responsible supervisor: prof. JUDr. Milan Damohorský, DrSc., JUDr. Karolína Žákovská, Ph.D. et Ph.D.

    The course aims at providing an insight into the most important developments of both theory and the practice of international and European environmental law. Students are supposed to already have certain knowledge of basic concepts of public international law. Special attention will be focused on the questions of access to information in environmental matters, public participation, and access to justice, as well as protection of climate and biodiversity. All will be given in the framework of the basic human rights protection.

    Introduction to International Human Rights Law, responsible supervisor: prof. Mag. Phil. Dr. iur. Harald Christian Scheu, Ph.D.

    The course examines different aspects of universal human rights protection. The course will introduce students to the content and monitoring mechanisms of the major UN human rights treaties will provide insight into relevant instruments of protection, such as individual complaints, state reports, and fact-finding missions. With a view to selected case studies, students will study standard admissibility criteria and different methods of interpretation of human rights provisions. 

    Summer Semester:

    The European System of Human Rights Protection, responsible supervisor: prof. JUDr. Mahulena Hofmannová, CSc.

    The course will focus on the European instruments of human rights protection. Participants who have already gained a general overview in the field of universal human rights law and specific procedures of control will explore the elements of human rights protection both in their specificity and interplay. The first part will address the theory of human rights protection and specific features of the European human rights protection. The second part will deal with the European Convention on Human Rights and jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.

    Czech Environmental Law, responsible supervisor: prof. JUDr. Milan Damohorský, DrSc., JUDr. Michal Sobotka, Ph.D.

    The course will focus on the Czech legal regulation of environmental protection. Participants who have already gained a general overview in the field of international and European environmental law and police will continue with the Czech ones. The first part will address the theory of environmental law principles, instruments, liability for offences, and for environmental damage and/or detriment, ownership rights towards environmental etc. The second part will deal with the protection of air, water, land, nature, landscape, plants and animals, as well as waste management.

  • Optional courses

    Winter Semester:

    Development of Supranational Integration and European Law, responsible supervisor: JUDr. Michal Říha, 

    The course provides information about the development of the International and European Integration from the very beginning until the foundation of the Political Union. The students will discuss historical, political, ideological, and economic reasons for integration based on documents and course materials.

    EU Law - General Introductory Course, responsible supervisor: prof. JUDr. Richard Král, Ph.D., LL.M. 
    (Mandatory for participants from non-EU countries who cannot prove previous sufficient background in EU Law) 

    The course is primarily designated for those participants who have not completed a comprehensive European Union law course during their previous undergraduate studies, i.e., particularly for participants from non-European Union countries, for whom this course shall be mandatory. The aim of the course is to provide general knowledge of the structure of European Union, its functioning, institutions, key policies and law, i.e., knowledge which will contribute to the efficient participation in other courses of this programme.

    Selected Topics from the Theory of Human Rights, responsible supervisor: prof. JUDr. PhDr. Veronika Bílková, Ph. D., E.M.A.

    The course deals with theoretical aspects of human rights. It is divided into two blocks. The first block aims at introducing students into complex theoretical issues surrounding the concept of human rights and at indicating some of the controversies arising in this area (the concept of human rights, universalism vs. cultural relativism debate, the concept of human responsibilities).  The second block focuses on four out of many contemporary challenges that human rights face today (the role of non-state actors, the use of force to protect human rights, the security vs. human rights dilemma, and the application of human rights in armed conflicts).

    Human Rights and Environmental Protection, responsible supervisor: prof. Dr. Michael Geistlinger (Universität Salzburg)

    This course presents the relevant norms on the global and European level, focussing on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms. It is oriented at advising students to handle international environmental law cases before the UN Human Rights Committee, the European Court of Human Rights, and the European Court of Justice as well as the UN and European Committees on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.

    Summer Semester:

    Protection of Fundamental Rights from Perspective of Czech and European Constitutionalism, responsible supervisors: doc. JUDr. Jan Kudrna, Ph.D.

    The course focuses on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms from the perspective of a Member State of the European Union. The issue of human rights is therefore presented within the legal framework of the Czech Republic, but in the context of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms on the one hand and the framework of European Union law on the other. Attention will be paid both to the human rights protection bodies and the rules of their activity, as well as to the key principles governing human rights issues, including the fundamental decisions of the relevant top bodies. 

    International and European Migration Law, responsible supervisor: JUDr. Věra Honusková, Ph.D.

    In this course, students will explore the issue of environmental migration. They will focus on the relevance of the causes of people's departure from their home country for the future regulation of their status, as well as the legal options for addressing their situation in a host country. They will also explore the more general context of international and European migration and refugee law.

    The International Protection of Minorities, responsible supervisor: prof. Mag. phil. Dr. iur. Harald Christian Scheu, Ph.D.

    The course examines different aspects of universal human rights protection. The course will introduce students to the content and monitoring mechanisms of the major UN human rights treaties and will provide insight into relevant instruments of protection, such as individual complaints, state reports, and fact-finding missions. With a view to selected case studies, students will study standard admissibility criteria and different methods of interpretation of human rights provisions.
     

    Meet our lectures

    •

      prof. Dr. iur. Harald Christian Scheu, Mag. phil., Ph.D.

      He graduated from the University of Salzburg (Dr. iur., 1995, Mag. phil., 1996) and the University of Prague (Ph.D., 1997). Numerous Fellowships (Max-Planck-Institut für ausländisches öffentliches Recht und Völkerrecht…
      Lecturer

      prof. Dr. iur. Harald Christian Scheu, Mag. phil., Ph.D.

      He graduated from the University of Salzburg (Dr. iur., 1995, Mag. phil., 1996) and the University of Prague (Ph.D., 1997). Numerous Fellowships (Max-Planck-Institut für ausländisches öffentliches Recht und Völkerrecht in Heidelberg, University of Bern, European University Institute in Florence). Member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London. From 1997 to 2006 at the Department of International Law, since 2006 at the Department of European Law of the Law Faculty of Charles University in Prague. Former member of the Management Board of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (2015-2020) and since 2020 member of the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (Council of Europe). Teaches and conducts research in issues concerning International and European Law and International Human Rights Law.

    • prof. JUDr. Pavel Šturma, DrSc.

      He is professor of international law, Charles University, Faculty of Law, and coordinator of the Research Centre for Human Rights. He is a member and former chairperson of the UN International Law Commission. He is the…
      Lecturer

      prof. JUDr. Pavel Šturma, DrSc.

      He is professor of international law, Charles University, Faculty of Law, and coordinator of the Research Centre for Human Rights. He is a member and former chairperson of the UN International Law Commission. He is the president of the Czech Society of International Law and the Editor-in-Chief of the Czech Yearbook of Public & Private International Law. He is author or co-author of 19 books and more than 200 articles and studies in international law. The main topics of his research include human rights, the codification of international law, international responsibility and international investment law.

    • JUDr. Michal Říha, Ph.D.

      He is an assistant professor at the Department of European Law, where he focuses on European procedural law, the implementation of EU law in the Member States and European constitutional law. He has previous work…
      Lecturer

      JUDr. Michal Říha, Ph.D.

      He is an assistant professor at the Department of European Law, where he focuses on European procedural law, the implementation of EU law in the Member States and European constitutional law. He has previous work experience in state administration and Parliament of the Czech Republic. He is also involved in the preparation course for the EPSO exam at Charles University.

    • prof. JUDr. Milan Damohorský, DrSc.

      He graduated from Charles University, Faculty of Law in 1985. Before becoming a teacher (1989–2005) and later a professor of environmental law at Charles University in 2005, he served as lawyer specialist at the State Institute for Nature…
      Lecturer

      prof. JUDr. Milan Damohorský, DrSc.

      He graduated from Charles University, Faculty of Law in 1985. Before becoming a teacher (1989–2005) and later a professor of environmental law at Charles University in 2005, he served as lawyer specialist at the State Institute for Nature Conservation. He was Vice-Dean for Foreign Affairs for 22 years and Head of the Environmental Law Department and Erasmus and LL.M. Programmes Coordinator for 20 years. He is a member of the Commission of Environmental Law of the International Union for Nature Conservation, a member of European Council of Agricultural Law and president of the Czech Society for Environmental Law (from 2001). His main publications comprise monographs on environmental law liability and nature conservation. Author or co-author of more than 320 books, commentaries, textbooks, and articles on environmental law issues. 

    • JUDr. Karolina Žákovská, Ph.D.

      She graduated from Charles University, Faculty of Law in 2001. In 2003 she obtained a master’s degree from the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences in Nantes, France. Currently she is a senior lecturer in the…
      Lecturer

      JUDr. Karolina Žákovská, Ph.D.

      She graduated from Charles University, Faculty of Law in 2001. In 2003 she obtained a master’s degree from the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences in Nantes, France. Currently she is a senior lecturer in the Department of Environmental Law. She cooperates actively with the Maritime and Ocean Law Centre of the University of Nantes. She is a member of the Czech Environmental Law Society. She specializes in international environmental law, marine environment and biodiversity protection, and chemicals management. She is an author and co-author of several contributions in law journals and textbooks, e.g. Textbook on International Environmental Law (2008).

    • JUDr. Michal Sobotka, Ph.D.

      He  graduated from Charles University, Faculty of Law in 1996. At present he is a senior lecturer in the Department of Environmental Law. He cooperates intensively with the Czech Ministry for Environment. He is a member…
      Lecturer

      JUDr. Michal Sobotka, Ph.D.

      He  graduated from Charles University, Faculty of Law in 1996. At present he is a senior lecturer in the Department of Environmental Law. He cooperates intensively with the Czech Ministry for Environment. He is a member of the Czech Waste Management Council and Minister of the Environment Appeal Commission. He is also a Vice-President of the Czech Environmental Law Society. He is specialized in waste and water management law, IPPC, and EIA regulation. He has contributions in several environmental law textbooks, journals, e.g., Legal and Economic Instruments of the Environmental Protection (2002), Textbook on the Czech Environmental Law (2003 and 2007, co-author), Waste Management Act (2005).

    • prof. JUDr. Richard Král, LL.M., Ph.D., DSc.

      He is a professor of European law at the Charles University Faculty of Law since 1992. Graduated from the Law Faculty in1986. Master of EC law at the University of Amsterdam (1990–91). Is a member of the Legislative…
      Lecturer

      prof. JUDr. Richard Král, LL.M., Ph.D., DSc.

      He is a professor of European law at the Charles University Faculty of Law since 1992. Graduated from the Law Faculty in1986. Master of EC law at the University of Amsterdam (1990–91). Is a member of the Legislative Council of the Czech Government. He has authored many books, textbooks, and articles on European law issues, e.g., Transposition and implementation of EC Directives in the EU member states and Czech Republic, Prague C. H. Beck 2002; Principles of application of EC law by national courts, Prague C. H. Beck 2003; National application and implementation of EC regulations, Prague C. H. Beck 2006; National Normative implementation of EC Regulations : an exceptional or rather common matter?, European Law Review, 2/2008.

    • prof. Michael Geistlinger

      He is a retired professor of international, comparative constitutional and Eastern European law at the university of Salzburg, Austria; cooperation with Charles University Prague in the area of European and…
      Lecturer

      prof. Michael Geistlinger

      He is a retired professor of international, comparative constitutional and Eastern European law at the university of Salzburg, Austria; cooperation with Charles University Prague in the area of European and international protection of human rights since 1991; visiting professor of the Charles University. He has publications in international environmental law, in particular as to nuclear and renewable energy and consideration of environmental law aspects by the World Trade Organization.

       

    • doc. JUDr. Jan Kudrna, Ph.D.

      He is associate professor of constitutional law at the Charles University in Prague (Czech Republic), Faculty of Law. Since 1999, he has worked at the Department of Constitutional law, where he teaches constitutional law,…
      Lecturer

      doc. JUDr. Jan Kudrna, Ph.D.

      He is associate professor of constitutional law at the Charles University in Prague (Czech Republic), Faculty of Law. Since 1999, he has worked at the Department of Constitutional law, where he teaches constitutional law, theory of state, and legal questions of ensuring state security. Additionally, he teaches the English spoken courses in the Erasmus Programme and LL.M. courses. He publishes extensively in Czech Republic and abroad, with various foreign publishing houses and legal reviews. He is a member of the Legislative Council of the Czech Republic Government and member of several ministerial boards of appeal. 

    • JUDr. Věra Honusková, Ph.D.

      She focuses her professional activities on refugee and migration law. She regularly organises or participates in conferences in the Czech Republic and abroad and publishes widely in this field. She founded a…
      Lecturer

      JUDr. Věra Honusková, Ph.D.

      She focuses her professional activities on refugee and migration law. She regularly organises or participates in conferences in the Czech Republic and abroad and publishes widely in this field. She founded a specialisation Migration Programme. She represents the Czech Republic in the Odysseus academic network for legal studies in the field of immigration and asylum in Europe. Her 20 years of experience in the field of asylum and migration law includes work in NGOs and in a commission at the Ministry of Interior. 

    • prof. JUDr. PhDr. Veronika Bílková, Ph.D., E.MA.

      She is professor in international law at the Faculty of Law of Charles University in Prague. She is member of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and of the Management Board of the EU Fundamental Rights…
      Lecturer

      prof. JUDr. PhDr. Veronika Bílková, Ph.D., E.MA.

      She is professor in international law at the Faculty of Law of Charles University in Prague. She is member of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and of the Management Board of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. She is also a Vice-President of the European Society of International Law and the chair of the Czech Committee for Human Rights of Older Persons. Her fields of research include the use of force, international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and the fight against terrorism.  

       

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    before April 30th each year.

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