The aim of this course is to promote a space for interdisciplinary co-learning and practical application in community contexts and social groups where strategies for human dignity are needed. The Critical Focus on Human Rights (CFHR) goes beyond modern theory based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to situate violations as social, cultural and political facts that occur at the intersection between structural frameworks and situated events. Beyond a normative-legal perspective, the violation of rights has components dimensioned in aesthetics and ethics as events of production and daily proximity and of the subject's embodied relationship with the realities lived in their day-to-day life and from which they experience situations of oppression and/or human rights violations. This is the involvement of the artistic in Human Rights: in the deconstruction and reconstruction of these daily events through a pedagogy that integrates Narrative Practices (NP), Artistic Practices (AP) and Participatory Action Research (PAR) and in the proposal of advanced knowledge production in the development of more egalitarian and democratic societies.

This course proposes specialised training in CFHR as a possible alternative to rights violations and from a different perspective to normative-legal rationality.

Thus, whilst the course includes the study and reflection of these approaches, it surpasses their theoretical limits and advances towards applied research on Human Rights materialised in daily practice. To this end, the course pays special attention to methodology from an experiential and embodied dimension.

Course objectives

• To train highly qualified profiles in postmodern and innovative methodologies in the search for creative and participatory alternatives to different types of Human Rights violations;
• To implement CFHR as a complement to applied research in contexts of exclusion, stigma and discrimination that require a transdisciplinary perspective;
• To generate a space for critical reflection on the praxis of Human Rights today from the connections between Human Rights, Artistic Practices and Narrative Practices;
• To provide the necessary knowledge for the design, programming and development of awareness, prevention and intervention projects in contexts of Human Rights violations;
• To enable participants to find and develop their own artistic language in relation to the social issues of intervention and research that they are carrying out or intend to carry out.

Target audience This course is aimed at a broad professional and academic profile:

• Professionals from the areas of Social Sciences (Social Work, Social Education, Anthropology and Sociology), Legal Sciences (Law, Arbitration, Legal Advice), Health Sciences (Medicine and Nursing) and Educational Sciences.
• Volunteers from the third sector (associations, NGOs, etc.) who work in the field of social intervention and Human Rights.
• Professional artists and teachers interested in the application of Artistic Practices and Narrative Practices in the field of awareness, prevention and promotion of Human Rights.

Training methodology Structured in three parts, the course combines distance learning (Modules I and II, lasting 14 hours and 10 synchronous hours, respectively) and in-person training (Module III, lasting 20 hours, in Coimbra), to be held on the dates and times indicated in the Programme.

The course uses the following methodologies:

• Creative and participatory methodology: Developed from a practical scheme based on practical and/or professional cases and concrete situations that affect both research and intervention in the field of Human Rights. Participants will work on real projects or simulations that allow them to apply what they have learnt in practical situations.
• Experiential Learning Method: Based on learning through direct experience from creative embodiment and the search for aesthetics as knowledge production that goes from the subjective to the collective.
• Collaborative Teaching: Encourages teamwork for the co-creation of knowledge.
• Critical Reflection: Incorporates spaces where participants reflect on their learning, experiences and future implications in their research and/or intervention contexts.
• Personalised Mentoring: Offers individualised support to participants through mentoring sessions.
• Formative assessment: uses continuous assessment techniques that allow participants to receive constant feedback on their performance.
• Viewing of documentary archives of performances and/or Artivism, readings of case studies and testimonial texts in the context of human rights violations at individual, collective and community level.

Modules I and II will be delivered remotely in synchronous mode (in real time), with transmission via the Zoom platform.

Module III will take place in Coimbra, at CES Sofia (Colégio da Graça - Rua da Sofia, No. 136 – Coimbra). A 20-hour module, in person, carried out through collaborative learning putting into practice a transdisciplinary process of collective creation within the group of participants. This process constitutes an experience through the techniques to be acquired by participants and which will be put into practice from the contexts of intervention in Human Rights violations.

Bibliographic support materials will be made available on the Moodle platform. Before the training, instructions will be sent regarding the use of the Moodle and Zoom platforms – to use them you simply need computer equipment with internet access and an updated browser.

Applications are accepted for the entire course or for individual modules. The course will run with a minimum of 15 participants. At the end of the training, a certificate of attendance will be sent.

Duration
Complete course – 44 hours
Module I - 14 hours distance learning
Module II - 10 hours distance learning
Module III - 20 hours in person

Organisers

UNIFOJ – Centre for Social Studies of the University of Coimbra | unifoj@ces.uc.pt (+351) 239 855 570 / (+351) 914 140 187
Universidad Pablo de Olavide - Sevilla

Certified Training - Associate Laboratory - DL n.º 396/2007, de 31/12 | DL n.º 63/2019, from 16/05 | CES Statutes

Module I - From the legal-normative framework to social action in contexts of human rights violations. Distance learning module | 14 synchronous hours20 January to 2 February 2026 | 18:00 – 20:00

Session 1 - Theoretical foundation of Human Rights from legal, political and economic approaches Inês Sousa (CES) 20 January | 18:00 – 19:00

Session 2 - Human Rights situation in the national context
Inês Sousa (CES) 20 January | 19:00 – 20:00

Session 3 - Human Rights on the street | Experiences and dilemmas in proximity contexts
Paulo Pereira and Ana Goulart (AMI) 21 January | 18:00 – 20:00

Session 4 - Human Rights and Social Intervention
Maria Irene de Carvalho (ISCSP) 22 January | 18:00 – 20:00

Session 5 - Arts and Human Rights | Theoretical dimension and experiences in the international social and academic landscape
Manuel Simões (IPS) 28 January | 18:00 – 20:00

Session 6 - Critical Focus on Human Rights (CFHR)
Manuel Muñoz Bellerin (Universidad Pablo de Olavide and CES) 29 January | 18:00 – 20:00

Session 7 - Participatory Action Research and Human Rights
Cláudia Pato de Carvalho (CES) 2 February | 18:00 – 20:00

Module II - The practice of Human Rights from the Critical Focus on Human Rights (CFHR). Distance learning module | 10 synchronous hours9 February to 16 March 2026 | 18:00 – 20:00

Session 1 – Project Design
Cláudia Pato de Carvalho (CES) 9 February | 18:00 – 20:00

Session 2 - Social Sciences Perspective - participatory and collaborative methodologies. Community engagement strategies for social and cultural participation and collaboration of marginalised groups
Cláudia Pato de Carvalho (CES) 23 February | 18:00 – 20:00

Session 3 - The narrative and testimonial perspective | Treatment of accounts from the hermeneutics of human rights
Manuel Muñoz Bellerin (Universidad Pablo de Olavide and CES) 26 February | 18:00 – 20:00

Session 4 - Application of Arts-Based Research (ABR) in CFHR: Artistic Practices (AP) in contexts of prevention and promotion of Human Rights
Manuel Muñoz Bellerin (Universidad Pablo de Olavide and CES) 5 March | 18:00 – 20:00

Session 5 - Citizen Science and Research - Participatory Action
Rita Campos (CES) 16 March | 18:00 – 20:00

Module III - Creative Methodology in the Application of Human Rights. In-person module (CES Sofia – Coimbra) | 20 hours
8, 9 and 10 April 2026 | 10:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 – 17:40
Manuel Muñoz Bellerín and Cláudia Pato de Carvalho

Cláudia Pato de Carvalho | Researcher at the Centre for Social Studies (UC), develops research projects in the fields of community participation, cultural mapping, community co-creation and urban intervention. Cláudia integrates Research Line 5. Urban Cultures, Sociability and Participation. She completed her PhD in Sociology, specializing in Sociology of Culture, Knowledge and Communication, at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Coimbra, in collaboration with the Center for Reflective Community Practice, now Community Innovators Lab (MIT, USA). Academically coordinated the REDE ARTÉRIA I project, a Teatrão-CES partnership. REDE ARTÉRIA was an action-research project, coordinated by the theater company O Teatrão, which aimed to develop a network of cultural programming in the Centro Region (Portugal) and the creation of artistic intervention projects in eight cities in this Region. Between 2010 and 2018, in the context of Teatrão's educational service, she developed a European network in the field of artistic education in contexts of social exclusion, with several projects approved under the Youth in Action Program and ERASMUS+. She was a member of the CES research team for the CREATOUR project: Developing Creative Tourism Destinations in Small Towns and Rural Areas and is a member of the CREATOUR Observatory (culture and tourism observatory for local development). Cláudia is a member of the CES team for the H2020 UNCHARTED project: Understanding, Capturing and Fostering the Societal Value of Culture (2020-2024), coordinated by the University of Barcelona. She is also part of the CES coordination team for IN SITU: Place-based innovation of cultural and creative industries in non-urban areas (2023-2026) and co-coordinates the CC.EDU - Working Group on Citizen Science and Education at CES. She is an invited assistant professor at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Coimbra where she teaches Applied Sociology (Bachelor in Sociology) and Critical Intercultural Dialogue (Master in Sociology).

Manuel Muñoz Bellerín | Graduated as a Sociocultural Animator (1994) after gaining social and political awareness as a Human Rights activist (Human Rights Association). In 1998 he graduated as a Social Worker. On the basis of this academic training, he began informal research into the interdisciplinary nature of theatre pedagogy and social work applied to adolescents and young people. Since then, Muñoz Bellerin has gained a great deal of professional experience for his learning as a human being and professional: Coordinator at the Seville Municipal Reception Centre, Social Mediator-Assistant in the Family and Intergenerational Mediation Service, Social Worker and Educator in community Social Service Centres and specialised centres in Social Transformation Zones, EDUSI and ERACIS programmes (Seville City Council). At the same time, since 2007 he has been an Associate Professor of Social Work at Pablo de Olavide University. Muñoz Bellerin studied for master's degrees in “Mediation and Family Guidance” (UNED), “Human Rights, Interculturality and Development” (UNIA) and “Social Sciences and Social Intervention” (UPO). In March 2019, he completed his PhD in the Social Sciences PhD programme and, in December 2023, he completed a post-doctoral research project at the Centre for Social Studies (University of Coimbra). Muñoz Bellerin is currently a lecturer in the Department of Social Work at Pablo de Olavide University.

Maria Irene Carvalho | Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work from the Higher Institute of Social Work of Lisbon (ISSSL). PhD in Social Work from the Higher Institute of Labour Sciences and Enterprise – University Institute of Lisbon (Iscte-IUL). Associate Professor at the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences of the University of Lisbon (ISCSP-UL), in the Social Work and Social Policy Unit, in the Bachelor's degree in Social Work, in the Master's in Social Work (ADVANCES) – Erasmus+ – and in the PhD in Social Policy. Scientific Coordinator of the Bachelor's degree in Social Work and the Postgraduate programme "Social Work in Health, Intervention and Innovation". Integrated researcher at the Centre for Administration and Public Policies (CAPP) of ISCSP-UL. Member of national and international associations representing the profession, teaching and research in Social Work. Author of more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters on Social Work. Coordinator and Author of books on Social Work published by Pactor.

Rita Campos | Researcher at the Centre for Social Studies of the University of Coimbra, member of the Thematic Line CULTURS-Urban Cultures, Sociabilities and Participation and the Observatory of Education and Training Policies (OP.Edu), and co-coordinator of the Methodology Cycle Knowledge Wheel and the Working Group on Citizen Science and Education (CC.Edu). She holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Porto, on the topics of evolutionary biology and population genetics. Since 2009, she has become interested in the areas of Science Communication and Non-formal Science Education, having dedicated herself exclusively to these areas since 2016. Her current research interests focus on the study and production of science communication tools, active learning and public engagement with and in science (citizen science) on the themes of relationships between biodiversity and human health, interconnections between systems (natural, social, cultural...) and sustainability (environmental). She is interested in interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies that enhance public inclusion and participation, such as context-based education or visual methodologies, and in mixed methods for evaluating the tools produced. She has regularly collaborated with national and international institutions (CIBIO-InBIO, UC Science Museum, COI, UFRN). Her work has received national and international recognition, notably the Distinction Award given by the House of Sciences and the "New Ideas Scheme" pass awarded by ECSITE.

Paulo Alexandre Machado Pereira | Graduated in Social Work from the then Higher Institute of Social Work of Coimbra (ISSSC), now Miguel Torga Higher Institute (ISMT). Postgraduate degree in Drug Addiction and Psychosocial Pathologies at the Miguel Torga Higher Institute. As a social worker, he has been working daily with people in situations of high social vulnerability, poverty and social exclusion since 2000. He is the Director of the Porta Amiga Centre in Coimbra of the AMI Foundation (International Medical Assistance), since 2001. He was a Lecturer at the Miguel Torga Higher Institute between 2002 and 2009. He has been involved in Cultural and Social Associations for 30 years. He is a musician, Artistic Director and producer of the Amazing Arts Company of Arts of Coimbra, Founder of the Coimbra Gospel Choir. As a citizen, he is a political activist.

Manuel Simões | Graduated in Artistic Promotion and Cultural Heritage, with a Postgraduate degree in Education, Artistic Practices and Inclusion, from the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal. Senior Animation Technician in the Youth Division of Setúbal City Council. Trainer at the Institute of Employment and Professional Training of Setúbal, in modules of the Youth Technician and Sociocultural Animation Technician Courses. He lived for ten years in Mexico City, where he developed Arts and Human Rights activities at the Tlatelolco Arts Unit of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). He is an activist and member of "boa Criação", a Cultural Cooperative, with community intervention in the Villages of the Municipality of Mértola.

Inês Sousa | PhD in International Politics and Conflict Resolution from the University of Coimbra, a Master's degree in International Conflict Analysis from the University of Kent (United Kingdom), and a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of Coimbra. She is currently a Visiting Lecturer on the International Relations course at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Coimbra and Executive Coordinator of the Human Rights Platform Portugal, having also taught on the European Studies course at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the same university. In recent years, she has focused her research on the externalisation of the European Union's border management mechanisms. In her professional career, she worked at the European Parliament in Brussels as a trainee and was part of an international unit at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Rio de Janeiro, where she served as an international analyst for approximately four years. Her main research interests include migration, asylum, international security, and the European Union.