The full Murdoch Human Rights Program runs for 3 weeks (28 June – 16 July) during Winter Term. The first 2 weeks will be dedicated to teaching two law units and undertaking a series of field trips. The field trips will be available to both Law and HASS students.  

Week 3 will be dedicated to teaching a unit called Mass Atrocities and International Justice (details below) by Murdoch’s inaugural Professor of Human Rights, Simon Adams.

HASS students may opt to attend only Week 3 of the program or to be in Geneva for all 3 weeks to take part in the field trips.  

ART305: Learning Without Borders: Global Challenges (3 credit points) 

How does the United Nations and the international community respond to the threat of mass atrocity crimes (war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity)? This intensive Geneva-based unit provides an examination of how the United Nations system has struggled to prevent atrocities, support vulnerable populations, and offer pathways to accountability and justice. From Geneva, you will analyse how the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Human Rights Council, Special Rapporteurs, related treaty bodies, and civil society respond to crimes that shock the conscience of humanity. You will evaluate how the Universal Periodic Review, and evolving norms like “the Responsibility to Protect” (R2P), have re-shaped diplomacy and human rights advocacy in Geneva. The unit also explores the complex multilateral landscape of global justice, from providing early warning of grave human rights abuses, to investigative mechanisms, and the pursuit of accountability at the International Criminal Court (ICC). By the end of this unit, you will have a better understanding of the crucial role that Geneva plays in how the United Nations struggles to promote and protect universal human rights.  

Students will be provided with unit materials electronically via LMS prior to departure for Geneva. 

Students participating in the field trips will have the opportunity to engage with experts working in the human rights field. This includes interacting with UN officials, diplomats and civil society advocates as part of this unique teaching experience and attending a number of other functions and activities.  

A welcome reception, held in Week 1, on the Sunday night before the program starts, is an opportunity for students to meet and make plans together, as well as to familiarise themselves with the facilities and staff at the John Knox Centre, our accommodation and teaching venue. 

Students will be required to complete some reading and activities before departure. Most assessments will be completed after returning to Perth.   

Situated where the Rhône River leaves Lac Léman and capital of the canton with the same name, Geneva is at the centre of Western Europe and international diplomacy. 

Being a key city for the development of human rights, Geneva is truly global. With 40% of its inhabitants from different parts of the world, the city is host to some 200 international organizations and institutions, including the UN’s Palais des Nations (with its historic links to the original League of Nations), the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the International Committee of the Red Cross/Red Crescent. 

The John Knox Centre is a 15-minute walk from the UN and the other international institutions, and the city centre is also only a 10-minute bus ride away from France. 

The following fees and costs are estimates only. 

Accommodation & Activity Fees - $900 per week (twin share) or $2,500 for three weeks. The accommodation is in a twin share room with shower and toilet. Students may opt for a single room at an increased cost ($3500 for three weeks). 

The Accommodation and Activity fee includes breakfast every day, and lunch on teaching days.  

Entry fees to organizations are also included.  

Flights to Geneva - approximately $2,500 

This is an estimated cost for flights from Perth to Geneva. Students should not make their own flight bookings prior to receiving travel instructions from Murdoch University. Once participants have been selected, the Murdoch Travel Office will contact students directly with information about arranging flights through the University’s Travel Management Platform (TMP).  

Please note, even though you will need to use the Murdoch TMP, you are responsible for your own travel costs. 

Living Expenses - approximately $250 – $300 per week  

Geneva is an expensive international diplomatic city, and costs are higher than in Perth. While breakfast every day and lunch on teaching days will be included in the price of accommodation, other meals must be paid for by students. Meals in town can be expensive. 

Murdoch students have travel and medical insurance coverage for the duration of the program—that is the three-week teaching period, plus additional days for travel to and from the program. 

OS-HELP loans 

If you’d like to know more or have any questions, email Professor Simon Adams.