The Tom Lantos Institute, in partnership with the Ludovika University of Public Service (Budapest), the Human Rights Consortium of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies (School of Advanced Study, University of London), and the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization, announces the Call for Applications for the fourteenth Global Minority Rights Summer School.
The 2026 Summer School will focus on the theme of Self-Determination and Minority Rights, offering an advanced academic and practice-oriented programme for participants interested in international human rights law, minority protection, and contemporary political challenges related to self-determination.
Theme: Self-Determination and Minority Rights
Date: 5–10 July 2026
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Language of instruction: English
Programme Background
Self-determination is a foundational principle of international law and a core element of international human rights protection. Recognized in the United Nations Charter and codified in both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the right to self-determination affirms that all peoples may freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. International courts and human rights bodies have further identified self-determination as a peremptory norm of international law, generating obligations for all states.
Despite its strong legal foundation, the application of self-determination in relation to minority rights remains contested. Central questions include the definition of “peoples” under international law, the extent to which minorities qualify as rights-holders, and the legal and political implications of claims to autonomy, power-sharing, or secession. While participatory governance and democratic inclusion are widely accepted elements of minority rights protection, more far-reaching claims such as territorial autonomy continue to generate significant debate, particularly in post-colonial contexts.
Academic Focus
With a specific emphasis on minority rights perspectives, the Summer School will examine:
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Internal and external dimensions of self-determination
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Self-determination in decolonization and post-colonial contexts
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Legal definitions of “peoples” and their implications for minorities
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Participation, autonomy, and power-sharing arrangements
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Mobilization strategies and peace negotiations
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Cultural and economic dimensions of self-determination
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Emerging approaches, including digital and decolonial interpretations
The curriculum combines theoretical lectures with applied case studies, enabling participants to connect legal and political analysis with real-world minority experiences.
Teaching Methodology
The programme is designed as an interactive learning experience, including:
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Expert-led lectures with structured discussion
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Participant-led case study presentations
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A thematic panel on mobilization strategies for self-determination
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Question-and-answer sessions integrated into each lecture
Selected participants will be invited to present case studies related to their research or advocacy work.
Faculty and Speakers
The Summer School will bring together internationally recognized scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and civil society representatives working in the fields of minority rights and self-determination.
Preliminarily confirmed lecturers include the United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Professor Nicolas Levrat, Hon. Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana (Chairperson of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations, Communities, and Minorities in Africa of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights), and Professor Mohammad Shahabuddin of the University of Birmingham. The full academic programme will be published in spring 2026.
Participants
The programme will host approximately 20–25 participants from diverse geographic and professional backgrounds. Applications are welcomed from:
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Master’s and doctoral students
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Public servants and policymakers
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Academics, educators, and journalists
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Civil society and minority rights practitioners
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Members of minority and Indigenous communities
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Individuals with a professional or academic interest in minority rights
A strong command of English is required.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
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Acquire a critical understanding of international and regional minority rights frameworks
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Examine contemporary challenges related to self-determination
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Explore the role of international mechanisms and civil society actors
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Analyze comparative case studies from different regions
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Strengthen research, advocacy, and presentation skills
Tuition Fee and Financial Support
The tuition fee for the Summer School is 200 EUR. The fee covers course tuition, accommodation, and breakfast and lunch during the programme.
A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available. Full scholarships cover tuition and travel costs, while partial scholarships cover tuition only.
Scholarship applicants must demonstrate:
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Current involvement or interest in minority rights
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Strong motivation and clear future plans in the field
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Financial need
Preference is given to applicants belonging to national or ethnic, linguistic, religious, or racialized minorities, as well as Indigenous communities. Scholarship recipients are expected to actively contribute to the programme through presentations or panel participation.
Venue and Practical Arrangements
The Summer School will take place in person at the Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest. Accommodation will be provided in shared on-campus dormitories. Breakfast and lunch are included, while participants are responsible for their own dinners, except for the closing gala dinner. Preparatory materials will be made available in advance through an online learning platform. Some guest lectures may be delivered in a hybrid format.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a completed application form and a signed letter of recommendation from an academic or professional referee. Applications must be submitted by email to the designated Summer School address. Only the required documents should be submitted, and late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application deadline: Monday, 9 March 2026, 09:00 CET
Applicants will be informed of the outcome shortly after the deadline.
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