Advanced Human Rights Course: Police oversight and Accountability in Africa 

10 - 14 September  2018
Apply online

Given the relative nascence of police oversight and accountability as an area of both academic and professional endeavour, the issue has, despite its obvious and critical importance, a limited profile in Africa.

There are few people who actively operate in the field, and who can boast a complete set of skills, particularly in the area of police oversight.

The Centre for Human Rights, in partnership with the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF) and the African Men for Sexual Health and Rights (AMSHeR), are presenting a short course on Police Oversight and Accountability in Africa.  

The aim of the course is to  profile police accountability and oversight as a human rights and governance concern, and assist in building a community of practitioners on the continent who can become active advocates for increased accountability of the police, and who are skilled to identify and act in terms of overseeing the actions of the police.   

Training will be provided to practitioners, policy-makers, scholars and post-graduate students.

Topics may include the following:

• Police oversight:

  • Theories and systems;

  • Democratic policing;

  • Architecture of police oversight;

  • Police oversight in Africa - challenges and opportunities; and

  • Internal and external oversight: systems and practice.

• Police standards:  overview of relevant international and regional standards monitoring police action;

• Police corruption;

• Use of force;

• Public order and policing elections;

• Torture;

• Custody visits and citizen oversight; and

• National security and access to  information.

Applicants

This is a high-level course, particularly designed for practitioners working in the field of police accountability and oversight in Africa. Applications from judicial officers, post-graduate students with a relevant research focus, government officials responsible for relevant issues, and members of civil society groups experienced in and engaged with the issues are encouraged to attend the course.

Applicants from around the world are invited. However, the course will have an African focus. Applicants from African countries are therefore, in particular, encouraged to apply.

All lectures and materials are in English, and proficiency in English is required to attend this course.

Fees

The course fee is ZAR 3 000.00 (US$450) and covers tuition, course materials, teas and lunch but excludes transport and accommodation costs.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available. Applicants must indicate on the online application form whether they wish to apply for a partial scholarship and provide sufficient motivation substantiating why they require financial assistance.

Applicants should also indicate whether they would still like to be considered for admittance in the event that they are not granted a partial scholarship.