Summer School | Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in International Law: Human Rights and Beyond

This summer school focuses on the emergence of sexual orientation, gender identity (SOGI) and intersex issues in different areas of international law, such as human rights law, refugee law, international economic law, and international criminal law.

The eleven-day summer school on SOGI in International Law is held each summer in The Hague and Amsterdam, The Netherlands (with now also one in day in Leiden). The course focuses on the emergence of SOGI and intersex issues in different areas of international law. Participants learn about the history of the rights of LGBTQI+ persons in the international sphere, about current developments around the world and about the potential for future progress on equality. While some lectures will focus specifically on sexual orientation, on gender identity/expression, or on sex characteristics (together sometimes called SOGIESC), other sessions will focus on specific regions (including Africa, and Latin America) or on specific topics.

Special attention will be given to important precedent-setting cases that have helped to achieve some international protection against homophobia and transphobia. Themes include: global and regional human rights mechanisms, recognition of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in refugee law, protection for women and LGBTQI+ persons in international criminal law, and the role of international and non-governmental organisations.