Overcoming global challenges through the Rule of Law - Workshop UNECLAC timezone
The rule of law is fundamental to ensuring the fairness of society and is characterized by transparency and accountability in both the public and private sectors. Such transparency and accountability may only prevail if a functioning judicial system is in place, acting as one of the cornerstones of a society. Populations need an efficient legal system in order to resolve disputes in all forms and guarantee an impartial application of laws and rules, as enshrined in the rule of law.
This training activity aims at covering not only the core aspects of the rule of law, but also touches upon the fundamental principles of human rights and governance in to provide participants with a holistic vision of the interconnectivity of these vital legal issues. Given that due to gender stereotypes women are frequently underrepresented in key positions in the legal sphere, reducing the representativeness of the respective judicial system, the course will also pay special attention to the role women can play on strengthening the rule of law.
This activity is supported with funding allocated from the Swedish International Development Agency’s (Sida) contribution to the UNITAR Strategic Framework Fund. UNITAR is grateful to Sida and other contributors for supporting the SFF. The SFF was established by the UNITAR Board of Trustees in 2018 to support projects and activities that respond to needs of developing countries and in particular the least developed countries, African countries, the small island developing States and countries in and emerging from conflict, in order to strengthen capacities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At the end of the workshop participants will have acquired a solid understanding of:
- the concept of the rule of law in connection with governance and human rights
- the main principles of the rule of law and their operationalization
- the common challenges to the rule of law
- the impact of various types of crises on the rule of law
Interactive by nature, the Workshop will offer space for discussion, experience sharing and critical reflection on the role played by the Rule of Law in today’s world.
Session 1 | 23 November 2020 | 02:00 - 06:00 pm (Geneva time)/ 10:00 am - 02:00 pm (Santiago de Chile time) | online via zoom
The Rule of Law in ‘normal times’
- History of the concept of Rule of Law
- Established definition(s) of the Rule of Law
- Rule of Law, governance and human rights: definition and nexus
- General principles of the Rule of Law
- Rule of Law and democratic institutions
- Common challenges to the Rule of Law
- Rule of Law and human rights
Session 2 | 24 November 2020 | 02:00 - 06:00 pm (Geneva time)/ 10:00 am - 02:00 pm (Santiago de Chile time) | online via zoom
The Rule of Law in crises and the ‘new normal’
- The Rule of Law in times of Conflicts and Post-Conflict (Transitional Justice)
- The Rule of Law and Migration (the ‘Refugee Crisis’)
- The Rule of Law in times of pandemics (COVID-19): Assessment and Way Forward
In light of the ongoing global pandemic and related travel restrictions the training programme will be held exclusively online via the platform zoom enabling participants form different countries to join and engage in peer-to-peer learning without necessitating travel.
UNITAR’s training programmes are designed to be highly interactive and participatory and will include a variety of simulation exercises and pedagogical tools to enable participants to acquire a thorough knowledge and understanding of the core legal issues, while also promoting a gender- sensitive approach.
The e-workshops will be built on the following pedagogical pillars: concept learning (lectures, presentations), experience sharing (panels, working group discussions) and exposure to real world problems and policy choices.
Participants will be provided with a comprehensive set of training material, prepared in close cooperation with the resource persons, consisting of copies of presentations, selected readings, instructions for the interactive exercises and discussion group assignments, relevant publications, etc. The material, enabling participants to partake in a well-informed, effective and prepared way, can also be shared with colleagues who have not benefited from the training.
The workshop is open to up to 35 participants from the ECLAC region who are either:
- Members of the private sector,
- Members of Permanent Missions accredited to the United Nations,
- Delegates of Ministries of Foreign Affairs and other government officials,
- Representatives of international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations
- Academia and students interested in the field of business and human rights.
Priority will be given to LDCs and SIDS nationals. Please visit the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States: http://unohrlls.org/
Technical Requirements
UNITAR recommends that all prospective participants test Zoom for free at Zoom.us prior to joining the final e-workshop.
Basic system requirements:
- Stable internet connection
- Speakers and a microphone
- A webcam or HD webcam
- Or, a HD cam or HD camcorder with video capture card
Please see further information about all technical requirements for participating in this e-workshop here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-Requirements-for-PC-Mac-and-Linux