Summer School 2025: “Navigating Change – Contemporary Perspectives on Human Rights”

To assess the challenges outlined above, we seek to apply an interdisciplinary approach. Specifically, we aim to draw on expertise from various disciplines to better understand the changes around us – the accelerating climate change, new public health threats and the unwarranted use of AI (step 1). Following the legal assessment (step 2), we will revisit the disciplinary expertise to explore potential solutions (step 3). In doing so, we intend to offer lectures, and modern formats such as coffee talks and interdisciplinary talks. Each lecture will feature interactive components. Additionally, the coffee talks on days two to four will feature two experts: one offering a legal perspective and the other providing specific insights into the respective disciplines. The interdisciplinary talk will include three experts with different backgrounds. After four days of lectures and discussions, we will hold an interactive conference, offering participants the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have acquired. Additionally, a rich evening program will offer opportunities for relaxation, ensuring both intellectual and personal well-being throughout the week. 

Below, you can find our detailed program: 

The International Summer School 2025 in Dresden begins with introductory lectures on the fundamental ideas of (norm) change, laying the groundwork for the week ahead and exploring how we can navigate change with the instruments at our disposal. At the end of day one, there will be a discussion with three experts from both academia and professional practice. Together, we will examine the broader implications of change, highlighting its positive and negative aspects.                                                                                                                                                                 From Factual Change to Norm Change in the International Human Rights System 

Given the growing impact of climate change and related disasters, it is clear that environmental issues are also human rights issues. We will begin by exploring the applicability of human rights in environmental matters and their intersection in international law, starting with an overview of current environmental law and its relationship with human rights protection. After this, we aim to tackle the challenges of specific norms. For example, the drastic impacts of climate change, such as the sinking of entire countries, raise unprecedented legal and human rights challenges. For instance, when Art. 12 ICCPR was first drafted, the possibility of countries vanishing without a successor state was not anticipated, raising questions about individuals’ right to nationality if their own country is submerged and no longer exists.                                                                                                                                                                                                 Climate Change and Natural Disasters: Environmental Challenges to Human Rights

Recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the critical intersection between public health and human rights. Accelerating lifestyle diseases worldwide necessitate innovative approaches that integrate human rights into public health strategies. Another key issue concerns access to medication, which raises questions about the extent of state obligations under human rights law. In addition, we explore advancements in medical treatments and innovative therapies, like genetic engineering, offering unprecedented potential for both prevention and treatment. However, these advancements also carry new challenges to human health and, consequently, to human rights.                                                                                                                                                                                       Emerging Public Health Threats Amidst and Despite Medical Improvement

AI not only increases the efficiency of technologies, it also poses significant dangers, as exemplified by Facial Recognition Technology. Due to the black box phenomenon, the way AI comes to conclusions often cannot be fully explained, as the input in and the operations of an AI are invisible. Furthermore, overreliance on these systems often leads to automation bias. This carries the risk of decision-making being made to the detriment of humans, prompting questions such as whether this dependence represents progress at all, or whether there should be a right to"unblackboxing." In addition, we seek to provide answers to specific questions of AI applications. For example, the use of AI to create realistic deepfakes of politicians can lead to a surge of disinformation. This could severely impair states’ ability to function, potentially necessitating innovative restrictions on freedom of expression, which might violate human rights.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     The Peak of Technology: Can Human Rights Keep Pace with AI Developments?

On the final day, participants representing states and legal experts will convene to address the legal challenges for human rights concerning the issues discussed during the previous four days. They will need to develop treaty law, interpret norms, or decide whether to leave existing regulations unchanged. Both the states and the International Law Commission (ILC) prepare for this in advance and during the Summer School.

The ILC will draft a foundational paper outlining how best to address these new developments and the corresponding factual change through international human rights law. This conference paper will then be presented to the participating states. The conference will subsequently engage with the paper and discuss to what extent states are willing to respond to these pressing factual changes: climate change, public health threats and AI Developments. The ILC will try to defend its draft throughout the discussions but may also make modifications as needed.

Interactive Conference: International Law Commission and State Representatives

The participation fee is €200 for in-person attendees and €50 for online participants. The in-person fee includes lunch, coffee, refreshments and snacks, the rich evening program as well as city tours and excursions.

There will also be the opportunity of a travel grant. After registration, participants can apply for funding of €500 to help cover travel and accommodation expenses. Unfortunately, advance payments are not possible, so even if the grant is approved, the funds will only be disbursed after submitting the respective receipts. You will receive further information after successful registration.

Upon participation and successful completion of the Summer School, in-person participants will be awarded a certificate worth 5 ECTS, while online participants will receive a certificate worth 3 ECTS. This includes the succesful completion of the Summer School Examination. Please ensure you verify in advance whether the ECTS credits will be recognized by your home university.

The Summer School will take place at TU Dresden. In line with the theme of our Summer School – the future of human rights –, we will be hosting it in the futuristic-looking conference room of the Institut für Holztechnik Dresden: Zellescher Weg 24, 01217 Dresden.

Accommodation and Arrival is not provided and must be arranged by each participant. We will share recommendations for affordable lodging after the registration phase is complete. We are also pleased to assist with individual travel planning.