A new online course exploring human rights has been introduced at the Bermuda College.

The programme is being run through the Human Rights Education Network — HuRen — recently launched on the island and will provide “critical training” in related global principals.

Touted by the college as “the first of its kind” in Bermuda, the course is open to those aged 18 and over.

It was designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge, skills and mindset needed to understand and defend human rights.

Created by Françoise Palau-Wolffe, a former Amnesty International Bermuda chairwoman, and a team of local and international human rights experts, HuRen aims to bridge the gap between “global human rights frameworks and Bermuda’s national protections” through education.

“Our objective is simple — empower young people to understand and advocate for their rights and the rights of others,” said Ms Palau-Wolffe, who now serves as HuRen’s executive director.

“We want to ensure that Bermuda’s youth are part of the global conversation and prepared to lead with values rooted in equality, dignity and justice.”

The course, Human Rights for Changemakers, takes 12 hours to complete over four sessions and is a component of an applied research project on human rights in Bermuda being co-ordinated by HuRen.

The course is open to 20 students and an open house is to be held on September 15 at Bermuda College to expand on details. Funding is available from the college’s financial aid office.

Young people are invited to sign up while businesses focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and the UN Sustainable Development Goals are encouraged to sponsor employees to take the course.

“The course will be led by facilitators with more than 25 years of experience in international human rights work, including former United Nations advisers and members of Amnesty International, ” Ms Palau-Wolffe said.

“Human rights frameworks are increasingly under pressure globally. This is our chance to reaffirm their value locally and to equip the next generation to carry this work forward.”

The online certified course, which starts on October 6, is being run by the college’s Athora Division of Professional and Career Education.

Tawana Flood, the Apace director, said: “I am absolutely delighted that HuRen has partnered with us to offer this exciting and very important course.

“I hope that people, especially young Bermudians, take advantage of what is on offer.”

Supported by local organisations such as the Human Rights Commission and the Gender Affairs Council, the course aims to build a national culture of rights awareness, starting with young people.

• For more information, e-mail apace@college.bm or call 236-9000, extension 4117