Photo: Organizers and participants of the 1st Course at the University of Coimbra (02/02/2024).
The Facts and Norms Institute (FNI) and Ius Gentium Conimbrigae - Center for Human Rights at the University of Coimbra successfully held the Advanced Course on International Law and Human Rights between January 29th and February 2nd, 2024.
Held at the Palácio dos Melos, within the facilities of the renowned University of Coimbra, the event brought together experts and students for an intensive journey of learning and debate on crucial human rights issues.
The Palácio dos Melos, headquarters of the 1st Facts and Norms Institute Course. University of Coimbra, Portugal. World Cultural Heritage Site.
Photos: Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves.
Day One: Beginning and Immersion
The course began on January 29th, 2024, with a warm welcome session from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, where participants could get to know each other and were introduced to the program structure.
Right after, those present enjoyed a guided tour of the historic complex of the University of Coimbra, immersing themselves in the institution's rich history.
[Check out the photos and detailed description of the incredible guided tour at the end of this post]
Paço das Escolas, University of Coimbra. World Cultural Heritage Site. Photos: Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves.
After the guided tour, participants had a break for lunch.
The afternoon was dedicated to the theme "Protection of Human Rights in the Universal Scope: UN" with a lecture given by Carla de Marcelino Gomes, from IGC/CDH, from 2:00 PM to 3:45 PM.
Professor Carla de Marcelino Gomes at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/29/2024).
Professor Carla de Marcelino Gomes is Executive Director at IGC/CDH; Co-director of the Course on Peace Operations and Humanitarian Action organized by IGC/CDH and the Portuguese Army Intervention Brigade; Professor of the Postgraduate Program in Human Rights at IGC/CDH and the Master's in Human Rights at the Faculty of Law of Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique.
She has several publications in the field of Human Rights, including the book "Fundamental Rights in Timor-Leste – Theory and Practice" (2015), carried out in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with the Human Rights and Justice Ombudsman of Timor-Leste.
Students and participants of the 1st Course at the University of Coimbra (01/29/2024).
The day ended with the first session of paper presentations, entitled "Business and Human Rights".
Presentation by student Dane Avanzi during the 1st Course at the University of Coimbra (01/29/2024).
In this session, Dane Avanzi discussed ESG and Human Rights, Luís Pedro Silva Moreira presented on governance and social participation in the Samarco case, and Yago Ferreira Freire spoke about free, prior, and informed consent in Latin America.
Presentation by student Yago Freire during the 1st Course at the University of Coimbra (01/29/2024).
Presentation by student Luís Pedro Silva Moreira during the 1st Course at the University of Coimbra (01/29/2024).
Second Day of Course
The second day began with an "Introduction to Human Rights" by Professor Jónatas Machado, from FDUC and IGC/CDH, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
Professor Jónatas Machado at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/30/2024).
Professor Jónatas Machado is the current Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Coimbra. With a PhD in Legal and Political Sciences from the same institution, he is one of the greatest constitutionalists and internationalists in Portuguese-speaking countries and one of the most important academics in Europe.
Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves, Director of FNI and co-organizer of the Course, was supervised by Professor Jónatas Machado during his postdoctoral studies in Law at the University of Coimbra, between August 2017 and July 2018.
Professor Jónatas Machado at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/30/2024).
Professor Jónatas Machado and Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves at the University of Coimbra, January 2018.
After Professor Jónatas Machado's lecture, students heard from Professor Eduardo Figueiredo from the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra, who gave a lecture on "Corruption and Human Rights" from 11:15 AM to 12:45 PM.
Professor Eduardo Figueiredo at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/30/2024).
Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra, Eduardo Figueiredo is also a collaborating researcher at the Institute of Legal Research, an associate researcher at the Center for Biomedical Law, and an associate researcher at the Ius Gentium Conimbrigae/Human Rights Center, all at the University of Coimbra.
Lecture by Professor Eduardo Figueiredo at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/30/2024).
In the afternoon, Professor Natália Moreno, from the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra, presented on "Protection of Human Rights in the Regional Scope: the Inter-American System" from 2:15 PM to 3:45 PM.
Lecture by Professor Natália Moreno at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/30/2024).
Professor Natália Moreno is part of the Legal and Political Sciences Section of the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra as a Visiting Professor.
In 2018, she was a Visiting Research Scholar at the College of Social Sciences and International Studies and the Centre for European Governance at the University of Exeter, United Kingdom. In addition to teaching, she worked as a lawyer in Maritime Litigation and Consulting at the Law Offices Carl Kincaid (Top Ranked by Chambers and Partners) and in the Consulting area of Administrative and Regulatory Law.
Lecture by Professor Natália Moreno at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/30/2024).
The day's presentation session, themed "Racism, Environment, and Human Rights", featured works by Flavia Daniel de Alcântara on algorithmic racism, Larissa Pirchiner de Oliveira Vieira addressing environmental racism and climate change, and Ana Trevizan analyzing the Brussels effect on Brazilian forest law.
Presentation by student Flavia Daniel de Alcântara at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/30/2024).
Presentation by student Larissa Pirchiner de Oliveira Vieira at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/30/2024).
Presentation by student Ana Trevizan at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/30/2024).
Third Day of Course
The third day of the course began with Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves, from FNI, discussing "Advocacy and Research in International Law and Human Rights" from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
Lecture by Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (02/01/2024).
Director of the Facts and Norms Institute (FNI), Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves holds a PhD in Law from UFMG and a postdoctoral degree from the University of Coimbra, in addition to working as a lawyer and legal consultant for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, an autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), after being approved in an international competition in 2018, ranking first.
Lecture by Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (02/01/2024).
Next, Professor Paula Veiga, from the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra, addressed the theme "Democracy and Human Rights" from 11:15 AM to 12:45 PM.
Lecture by Professor Paula Veiga at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (02/01/2024).
Professor Paula Veiga is a professor in Coimbra in the areas of Constitutional Law and Public International Law. She is Deputy Director of the Faculty of Law of Coimbra and a member of the Legal Institute of the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra, in addition to being a member of the board of two Institutes: Ius Gentium Conimbrigae (IGC) and the Legal Institute for Communication (IJC).
In addition to her academic activities, she has held positions on the Economic and Social Committee of the European Union, in the Office of the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Internal Administration, on the National Data Protection Commission, and on the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Since 2022, she has been serving as an ad hoc Judge of the European Court of Human Rights.
Lecture by Professor Paula Veiga at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/02/2024).
In the afternoon, Professor Eduardo Malheiro de Magalhães, from the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra, presented the European System for the protection of human rights from 2:15 PM to 3:45 PM.
Lecture by Professor Eduardo Malheiro de Magalhães at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/02/2024).
Professor Eduardo Malheiro de Magalhães is a great specialist in Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, and Public International Law. Besides teaching in Portugal, he was also a professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Macau, China (between 1993 and 2003). In Coimbra, his thesis was approved in Public Examinations with Distinction of merit (a very rare achievement in the Portuguese academic environment).
In addition to his academic work, he served as Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Secretary of State to the Minister of Justice, as well as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State for Defense and Veterans Affairs. He received the Medal of Distinguished Service - Gold Degree from the Minister of Defense. He provides legal advice in the area of Public Law.
Lecture by Professor Eduardo Malheiro de Magalhães at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/02/2024).
The day's presentation session, focused on "Persons deprived of liberty, politics, and religion," featured works by Eduarda Couto Pessoa Othero on imprisonment from a Human Rights perspective, Tarla Costa Carli addressing human rights and people deprived of liberty in Brazil, Jade Christinne dos Santos discussing politics, religion, and human rights in the Brazilian government, and Laura Gontijo Goulart Leite expounding on epistemology and the democratic criminal process.
Presentation by student Eduarda Othero at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/02/2024).
Presentation by student Tharla Carli at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/02/2024).
Presentation by student Jade Christinne dos Santos at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/02/2024).
Presentation by student Laura Gontijo Goulart Leite at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (01/02/2024).
Last Day of the Course
The last day of the course began with Professor Ernesto Costa, from the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra, speaking about "Human Rights, Artificial Intelligence and Democracy" from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
Lecture by Professor Ernesto Costa at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (02/02/2024).
Professor Ernesto Costa is Emeritus Professor at the Department of Informatics Engineering of the University of Coimbra. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the Pierre et Marie Curie University, France, and a PhD in Electrical Engineering (Computer Science area) from the University of Coimbra. He has published over 250 peer-reviewed papers in books, journals, and conference proceedings.
He has experience in the areas of Evolutionary Computation, Artificial Life, Complex Systems, Machine Learning, Cognition, and Computational Biology. He works in Bio-inspired Artificial Intelligence, developing new algorithms and applying them to problems of design, optimization, and learning, and promoting the cross-fertilization of Evolutionary Computation and Machine Learning.
Lecture by Professor Ernesto Costa at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (02/02/2024).
Next, Professor Catarina Gomes, from IGC/CDH, addressed "Education for Human Rights" from 11:15 AM to 1:00 PM.
Lecture by Professor Catarina Gomes at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (02/02/2024).
Professor Catarina Gomes holds a degree and a Master's degree in Educational Sciences from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra and a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from the Escola Superior de Altos Estudos of the Instituto Superior Miguel Torga, Coimbra. She has also studied Adult Education and Social Psychology at the Facoltá delle Scienze della Formazione, University of Florence, Italy.
She works as an advisor, researcher, and consultant in human rights education at the Faculty of Law of the University of Coimbra. She is also a member of the faculty of the Postgraduate Program in Human Rights, promoted by IGC/CDH, and of the Course on Peace Operations and Humanitarian Action, organized by IGC/CDH in conjunction with the Portuguese Army Intervention Brigade. She is one of the coordinators, in Portugal, of the European project "I Have Rights," co-financed by the European Union's Erasmus+ program.
Lecture by Professor Catarina Gomes at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (02/02/2024).
Professor Catarina Gomes' lecture was marked by the combination of expository teaching and an active teaching methodology dynamic. Through it, students were invited to reflect on the role of human rights education for more just and peaceful societies.
Records of student groups in conversation and exposition during the dynamic of active teaching methodology; Lecture by Professor Catarina Gomes at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (02/02/2024).
The afternoon was dedicated to the last session of presentations, themed "Rights of Refugees and Minorities." Estéfany Rocha Monteiro discussed Maximum Protection for Refugees, Juliana Ervilha Teixeira Pereira addressed the theme of Refuge and Gender, Ana Elisa Barbosa Mourão presented a study on Human Rights and Romani Memory in the Americas, and Beatriz Cardoso Gomes spoke about Refugees and the Media.
Presentation by student Estéfany Rocha Monteiro at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (02/02/2024).
Presentation by student Juliana Ervilha Teixeira Pereira at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (02/02/2024).
Presentation by student Ana Elisa Barbosa Mourão at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (02/02/2024).
Presentation by student Beatriz Cardoso Gomes at the University of Coimbra during the 1st Course (02/02/2024).
Closing Ceremony
The course ended with a formal session from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, with closing speeches by professors Henrique Napoleão Alves, Carla de Marcelino Gomes, and Catarina Gomes, and the awarding of certificates to the participants.
"For a long time, our countries, our nations, our lands have not been on equal footing. For the past few days, we have stood side-by-side, as brothers and sisters, to cultivate study, justice, and peace." - highlighted Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves.
"The Course went very well thanks to the efforts of many people from FNI and Coimbra, but above all, thanks to the excellent class that was formed: among the more than 120 interested parties, 30 participants of exceptional intellectual and human quality were selected and approved," - added the professor.
At the end, IGC, the Center for Human Rights at the University of Coimbra and host of the course, honored the participants with a Porto de Honra (Port Wine Toast). This traditional toast symbolizes the University's hospitality and celebrates new friendships.
Through the Porto de Honra, the students of the Course are honored and recognized as friends of Coimbra.
The Porto de Honra marked the end of an intense and enriching week of studies and debates on international law and human rights. The beautiful journey of the 1st Course was hard to say goodbye to.
Details about the Guided Tour
One of the concerns of the Course organizers was to combine both traditional educational content and cultural activities in the program. Nothing better for this than the guided tour carried out at the beginning of the Course.
The tour, conducted by a Portuguese guide specializing in History, was a journey through time through a special place, declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Paço das Escolas, University of Coimbra. World Cultural Heritage Site. Photos: Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves.
The Portuguese guide led the participants through the courtyard of the Paço das Escolas, the Royal Palace, the Chapel of São Miguel, and the Joanina Library.
The beginning of the Guided Tour to the Paço das Escolas, University of Coimbra. Cultural heritage of humanity.
Royal Palace, University of Coimbra.
The Royal Palace was built at the end of the 10th century, serving as the fortress of the city's governor during Muslim rule. In 1131 it became the first Portuguese royal residence, inhabited by D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.
In 1537, during the reign of D. João III, the University was definitively transferred from Lisbon to Coimbra, having been installed in this building in 1544.
The tour of the Royal Palace included three areas to visit: the Weapons Room, the Great Hall, and the Private Examination Room.
Weapons Room, University of Coimbra.
The Weapons Room is so named because it was the location of the first line of defense in the protection of the Infantes (princes), given their importance in the line of succession to the throne. Later, it was used as a space to store the weapons of the former Royal Academic Guard, a body of guards under university jurisdiction that guaranteed the safety of the rector, the rectory, the university buildings, and the urban perimeter.
Today it is used by the Archeiros (guards) in solemn academic ceremonies, such as Honoris Causa doctorates, the investiture of the Rector, and the solemn opening of the academic year.
Yellow Room, University of Coimbra.
Adjacent to the Weapons Room, the Yellow Room has walls lined with yellow silk to honor the Faculty of Medicine. It functioned as a meeting room where members of the Faculty discussed various subjects. It is possible to see portraits of rectors of the University who served in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are also other rooms, with different colors, representing other faculties. Still today, the rooms are used for current academic acts.
Great Hall or Capelos Hall, University of Coimbra.
The Great Hall, or Capelos Hall, is the most important at the University of Coimbra. It was the former Throne Room of Portugal. Between 1143 and 1383, it was the residence of the kings of the first Portuguese dynasty. Important episodes in the History of Portugal took place there, such as the acclamation of King D. João I in 1385. Currently, the most important ceremonies of academic life take place here.
On the walls, there are portraits of Portuguese kings, from D. Afonso Henriques to D. Manuel II, with the exception of the kings of the Philippine dynasty (corresponding to the period between 1580 and 1640).
Private Examination Room, University of Coimbra.
During the building's life as a Royal Palace, the Private Examination Room served as the king's quarters and was later transformed into a place where students took their exams.
The exam consisted of an oral test held at nightfall. It was a private act: only the student being evaluated and the professors could be inside the room. This exam lasted until the second half of the 18th century and was extinguished during the reforms promoted by the Marquis of Pombal.
The ceiling of the room dates back to 1701. On it, one can see the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Portugal and the representation of what were the great Faculties of the University of Coimbra: Theology (Cross and Sun), Law (Scales and Sword), Medicine (Stork and Caduceus of Hermes) and Canon Law (Papal Tiara). On the walls of the room, one can see the portraits of 38 rectors, from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
Royal Chapel of São Miguel, University of Coimbra.
The visit continued from the Royal Palace to the building of the Royal Chapel of São Miguel. Probably built in the 12th century, it was used as a private oratory of the former Royal Palace. Its name is due to the Archangel Saint Michael, protector of D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.
Outside, the large portal dominates the facade. This naturalistic structure is flanked by two pillars with strong maritime symbolism. In the center is the Portuguese Royal Shield, together with the Cross of Christ and the Armillary Sphere. Inside the Chapel, we can observe several decorative motifs with evident religious significance. The current decoration results from work carried out mainly in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Participants of the 1st Course with the Coimbra Guide at the Royal Chapel of São Miguel, University of Coimbra.
Outstanding in the Chapel's ensemble is the Baroque Organ, which dates back to 1737 and contains over 2,000 pipes. This mechanism is covered by a gilded carved wooden case decorated with oriental motifs (chinoiserie). Commissioned by D. João V, this organ was intended for a much larger church. This explains its disproportion when compared to the space where it is installed. The Organ is in perfect working order and is currently used for concerts, masses, and other religious acts.
Royal Chapel of São Miguel, University of Coimbra.
Above the Choir, intended for the musical group of academics that participates in Sunday celebrations, is the royal tribune, a space where the royal family watched the ceremonies with a privileged view of the Chapel.
Joanina Library, University of Coimbra.
After the Royal Palace and the Royal Chapel of São Miguel, the guided tour concluded at the Joanina Library building.
The Joanina Library is the greatest exponent of Portuguese Baroque and is considered one of the richest libraries in Europe. Its name is in honor and memory of King D. João V, who authorized its construction. Its construction was completed in 1728. It was in operation as the University Library from 1777 until the first half of the 20th century.
Inside, there are around 60,000 volumes, dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries, on various themes that can still be consulted today. Its building is divided into three floors. The lowest floor is the Academic Prison floor.
Former Academic Prison, Joanina Library, University of Coimbra.
Similar to what happened with other prestigious European universities, the University of Coimbra had, for a long time, the privilege of being governed by its own legislation, the so-called Academic Forum. This privilege protected the academic community (professors, staff, and students) from living with common criminals. This was the case until 1834, when this privilege ended.
The Academic Prison also functioned in this space, roughly coinciding with what had previously been the prison of the Royal Palace. We are therefore dealing with a prison of medieval origin, the oldest preserved in Portugal. Of the primitive structure, two narrow cells and a spiral staircase remain.
Above the Academic Prison is the Intermediate Floor. This room had two main purposes: it served as support for the guards who guarded the Academic Prison (extinct in 1834) and functioned as a depository for the books read on the noble floor.
Intermediate floor, Joanina Library, University of Coimbra.
Initially, there was no easy communication between the intermediate floor and the noble floor. The stairs that connect the two floors of the Library were only built at the end of the 19th century. The floor is still used today for documentary exhibitions.
Above the Intermediate Floor is the Noble Floor, the last point of the guided tour.
Noble Floor, Joanina Library, University of Coimbra.
The Noble Floor comprises three rooms lined with shelves and balconies ornamented with rich carvings and gold paintings on a black background in the first room, red in the second, and green in the third. Communication between the rooms is through arches topped by shields. The covering is made of wood, painted to look like marble. The walls are covered with two-story shelves in oak wood, gilded, and polychrome.
The library holds around 60,000 volumes, representing the best that was printed in Europe between the 15th and 18th centuries. The building is a safe essentially designed to preserve books: the exterior walls are 2 meters and 11 centimeters thick. In addition to humidity and temperature, books can be affected by insects that feed on paper. To resist this danger, the shelves are made of oak, appreciated for its density, durability, and the odor that keeps insects away.
For at least two and a half centuries, two colonies of bats have inhabited the Library, contributing to pest control. These small flying mammals have become a hallmark of the library and an informal symbol of the university itself.
