55th Summer Session from 29 June to 24 July 2025 – Human Rights and Spaces of Resistance
Presentation
The 55th Summer Session, organised by the René Cassin Foundation in partnership with local authorities and the International Committee of the Red Cross, will be held from 29 June to 24 July 2026 in Strasbourg (in-person only).
Cette session de formation historique en Europe accueille chaque année 150 à 200 participants internationaux venus du monde entier pour se former au droit international des droits de l’homme, droit international humanitaire et droit international pénal.
Nearly 30 internationally recognised experts (academics, representatives of international organisations, leaders of associations and NGOs, etc.) will also deliver high-level presentations to our participants.
The program, aimed at advanced students of legal, political, human and social sciences, is also open to teachers and researchers, members of the legal profession, national and international civil servants and anyone with a general interest in human rights.
A Historic Edition: The 2026 Summer Session at the Heart of the 50th Anniversary of René Cassin’s Legacy
In 2026, the 55th Summer Session will take on special significance. Organized to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the passing of René Cassin – Nobel Peace Prize laureate, co-drafter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and a guiding figure of our institution – this 55th edition stands at the centre of a year of major commemorations.
On this occasion, at the opening of the Session, a major international symposium will be held in the hemicycle of the Council of Europe, bringing together leading figures in international law to examine René Cassin’s legacy and the contemporary relevance of his thought in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.
Under the overarching theme “Human Rights and Spaces of Resistance”, the 2026 Summer Session will offer a wide range of courses, lectures and seminars, exploring how law continues to provide tools for protection, contestation and emancipation in a world shaped by crises, technological transformations and geopolitical shifts.
This exceptional edition reaffirms more than ever the mission of the René Cassin Foundation: to train, connect and inspire those who bring human rights to life, by gathering in Strasbourg an international community committed to an intellectual and humanist project that remains profoundly relevant today.
Organisation
The 55th Summer Session is composed of three modules. The first will include in-depth courses on the international protection of human rights, the second will be dedicated to international humanitarian law in partnership with the ICRC, and the third and final module will focus on international criminal law.
The courses are offered simultaneously in French, English and Spanish (except for the thematic courses of Module 1 (IHRL) and Module 3 (ICL), which are available only in French and English) in three separate spaces. The 55th Summer Session will take place exclusively in person in Strasbourg.
We invite you to carefully read the INFORMATION BROCHURE, which details all information related to this training session, including conditions regarding the different fees, accommodation, visa issuance, and cancellation / credit note conditions. In particular, we draw your attention to the fact that in case of cancellation due to visa refusal, lack of a consular appointment, or medical reasons only, the registration fees are refundable minus an amount of 100 euros corresponding to administrative processing costs.
This request for a refund or credit note must comply with the strict conditions specified in the information brochure, which we invite you to read carefully before registering. This refund request must be submitted before 24 July 2026.
Financial aid and financing of registration fees
The René Cassin Foundation grants A limited number of financial grants is available for participants who apply for them. The application must be submitted at the time of registration on the Foundation’s website and must be accompanied by all required supporting documents:
– CV,
– Copy of diploma or proof of university enrolment,
– Motivation letter,
– Two letters of recommendation.
Due to the limited number of financial grants that the Foundation can provide, participants are strongly encouraged to contact governmental and intergovernmental agencies, international organisations, academic institutions, various foundations or bodies, and potential donors who may be able to offer financial support (we invite you to consult the information brochure above for additional funding opportunities).
QUALIOPI certification label
Since June 2022, the René Cassin Foundation has held the QUALIOPI label for its training activities, following an audit conducted by APAVE, an approved body. As a result, the 54th Summer Session is accessible to funding issued by competence operators (OPCO). To use your rights, please contact your employer.
KAIROS – France Travail may also cover the cost of training.
However, it is not eligible for funding under the French Personal Training Account (CPF).
Accommodation:
University residence accommodation is offered when you submit your online admission request. Please note that the booking runs from Saturday to Friday (inclusive). Additional nights are your responsibility. No amount paid for accommodation will be reimbursed. The Foundation is not responsible for any difficulties related to accommodation conditions, which are the responsibility of the residence management.
An option to book accommodation at a preferential rate is available at the CROUS Paul Appell University Residence, in a single room (without breakfast).
Accessibility:
The René Cassin Foundation – International Institute for Human Rights pays special attention to the reception of people with disabilities.
It is commited to :
- Raise awareness among the entire team (administrative and educational, salaried and volunteer) on issues relating to the reception of a person with disabilities or less autonomous.
- Accepting and taking into account the requests of people with disabilities without discrimination.
- Adapt the methodology in order to find the most appropriate compensation for each disability situation in order to allow the transmission of knowledge, know-how and skills.
Please do not hesitate to contact the disability focal point, Mrs Valérie BAUD-CANDAU, at the following email address: session@iidh.org
Its mission is to:
- Welcoming, listening to and assessing disability-specific needs.
- Refer the disabled person to competent partners such as AGEFIPH for possible support.
- Ensure the feasibility and, if necessary, the implementation of pedagogical arrangements and/ or organizational adaptations.
Internal regulations, image rights and personal data protection:
We invite our participants to take note of the Rules and Regulationsvalid for all activities of the René Cassin Foundation, as well as the legislation in force concerning their and the protection of their personal data.
