●    Background: 
The Centre annually hosts its flagship regional Summer Course training with the title “Introduction to the International Human Rights System,” for the youth. The previous editions were held with a variety of different partners such as the Arab Human Rights Master, Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights. This training is always hosted at Saint-Joseph University in Beirut.

●    3.1 Goal and learning objectives:
The aim of this course is for young participants to acquire knowledge of human rights concepts, principles, mechanisms as well as a range of practical skills for professional development in the field of human rights.
Specific objectives include:
▪    Provide an understanding of human rights concepts, principles, and standards as well as of international, regional with specific focus on international mechanisms and treaties that address Member States’ obligations and their responsibilities to respect, protect and fulfil human rights.
▪    Build the capacity and enhance the skills of youth as human rights defenders.
▪    Allow a dialogue with actors in the field of human rights (e.g., OHCHR, academia, CSOs, etc.) on selected thematic areas related to human rights in the region.

At the end of the course, young participants will be able to:
▪    Explain human rights concepts, principles, and standards.
▪    Describe international human rights bodies. 
▪    Identify the obligations of States in relation to human rights and humanitarian law.
▪    Identify human rights violations and the protection mechanisms and complaint procedures available at international levels.
▪    Identify the role of human rights in the daily life of young people and the human rights issues of relevance to them.

●    Methodology and assessment of the course    
The course will contain various methods including seminars, lectures, group work, guest speakers, and presentations. Reading materials and/or case studies will be distributed to participants in advance of the course. Materials will be posted on an online link to facilitate access to participants. A prior survey will be required by participants on the human rights theme which will be shared before the summer course to assess the needs of the participants in terms of the topics to be addressed in the summer course. 
●    Speakers and lecturers
Speakers will include selected academics, researchers, and practitioners, including OHCHR, USJ and other actors. The idea is to have a mixed speaker who works in practice and academia providing practical experience and theoretical/substantive backgrounds.
●     Target group
The course is for students, young academics, lawyers, and young professionals interested in working in the human rights field between 20 and 28 years old.

●    Trainings till date
-    17-21 July 2023: The first edition of the Summer Course. Beirut, Lebanon: (25 youth, including 13 women, from the Arab region attended the summer course from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen.)
-    22-26 July 2024: The second edition of the Summer Course. Beirut, Lebanon: (22 participants, including 15 women, (selected from 220 candidates) benefited from the course, form Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. )
-    21-25 July 2025: The third edition of the Summer Course. Beirut, Lebanon: (28 participants including 14 women attended from 12 Arab countries namely: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia.)