n order to develop and sustain an environment free of discrimination, prejudice, bias attitudes and harassment, American University of Technology, the Arab Institute for Human Rights, the United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights and Amnesty International offer educational prospects through human rights workshops.
The first training session was held on 22nd and 23rd May 2004 and launched a series of workshops on human rights at AUT campus.

22nd-23rd May 2004 Human Rights Workshop

I. General description
The first human rights workshop took place in AUT campus Halat - Lebanon, 22-23 May 2004 and brought together 28 university students.

The workshop was a general introduction to human rights education, protection and promotion. The training session was attended by university students and the interest in the human rights training was remarkable. Practitioners specialized in human rights served as trainers and resource persons.

During the session students enjoyed the advanced professional program as well as interesting introduction to the partner agencies. Topics covered during the workshop included; human rights glossary, characteristic of human rights, introduction to international law of human rights (UDHR, ICCPR, ICESCR, CEDAW, CAT), categories of rights; human rights protection system; specific human rights issue.

The workshop was conducted in English and Arabic. It composed of discussions, case studies, role-plays, artistic creation and working groups. Participants were expected to take part in all activities that form part of the workshop. Certificates were given to all successful participants.

II. Organization of the Workshop

1. Goals and Objectives
The workshop aimed at human rights awareness and empowering young people to take human rights action in their communities. Upon completing this session, the student should: have an understanding of the historical and theoretical foundations of human rights, demonstrate a knowledge of the UN system: bodies and instruments of human rights protection; present a sound understanding of the nature, scope and content of a number of specific human rights.

2. Methodology
The workshop was based on lectures, panel discussions, video projections, mixed format of discussions, case studies, role-plays, artistic creation and working groups.

3. Participants
The workshop was open for students of the American University of Technology and students from other universities in Lebanon. Those who already have experience with the human rights protection and promotion system and those unfamiliar with the system were encouraged to participate.

4. Lecturers
Practitioners specialized in human rights served as lecturers and resource persons.
Mr. Nabil Rawdah, UNHCHR
Miss Rouwaydah Hajj, AIHR
Mr. Ahmed Karoud, AI
Mr. Ghassan Moughabeir, Deputy, ADEL
Dr. Iwona Safi, AUT

III- Evaluation:

An evaluation was executed to assess the program, as well as the methodology, the logistics and other services. The participants expressed incredible interest in issues of human rights advocacy, and the need for more training in this field.
The participants highly evaluated the experiences and cases shared and discussed in the workshop, as well as active cooperative learning methodology.
The students expressed a remarkable interest for more training in human rights issues.