Over 8,000 enrolled in a new course for judicial actors on freedom of expression

On 29 May 2023, UNESCO and the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights of the University of Oxford launched a new version of the globally accessible, multilingual MOOC aimed at judicial actors. This course expands upon the success of the previous joint UNESCO-Bonavero Institute MOOC on freedom of expression, which was delivered in English in 2021.

For the first time, this latest version of the course is designed to cater to a global audience of judicial actors. It offers all modules in the six UN languages (English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish and Russian) as well as Portuguese. Its objective is to enhance the knowledge and capacities on participants on international and regional standards on freedom of expression, access to information and the safety of journalists.

Similar to the previous MOOC, the course comprises five modules covering:

1. the general principles and scope of freedom of expression
2. limitations on the right to freedom of expression
3. the right of access to information
4. the safety of journalists and
5. challenges posed by the digital world. 

Each module includes accessible background materials, comprehension quizzes and a forum for further discussion, along with a pre-recorded webinar.

Participants have until 14 July 2023 to complete this course.

Kate O’Regan, Director of the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights at the University of Oxford, emphasized that the significance of this course for judicial actors worldwide: “This course is an important opportunity for judicial actors all around the world to deepen their knowledge of international standards on freedom of expression and safety of journalists in an exciting curriculum that will be presented by key judicial figures and academic experts in the field.”

Renowned experts in human rights and freedom of expression will lead the course, and notable  guest speakers such as Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression and Opinion, Justice Stella I. Anukam from the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Judge Ricardo Pérez Manrique from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and Judge Róbert Spanó, former President of the European Court of Human Rights, will provide valuable insights.

Interested individuals are encouraged to register promptly to take advantage of this unique opportunity to join a global audience of over 25,500 judicial actors who have already received training on these fundamental issues.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion jointly issued by UNESCO and the University of Oxford.