History of the foundation
1887: birth of René Cassin, Companion of the Liberation
Born in 1887, René Cassin was a member of the French Resistance, a companion of General de Gaulle, Vice-President of the Conseil d’Etat (1944-1959) and then President of the European Court of Human Rights (1965-1968). As Rapporteur, he is considered one of the founding fathers of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted on December 10, 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly. This major document, a symbol of agreement between nations on fundamental rights, still forms the basis of international human rights law.
In 1968, René Cassin was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and the United Nations Human Rights Prize, and founded the International Institute of Human Rights in 1969.
The missions of our foundation
Teaching
The Foundation offers a wide range of training courses on current human rights issues. These training sessions are aimed at students, researchers, members of the legal profession, national and international civil servants, members of non-governmental organizations and, more broadly, anyone interested in human rights issues.
Our training courses offer participants the opportunity to perfect their knowledge of international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international criminal law. More specialized session topics are also offered, such as women’s rights, refugee law, environmental law, children’s rights, the right to freedom of expression, the movement of cultural property, artificial intelligence and human rights…
All training sessions are subject to a final assessment, leading to a certificate of attendance ( ) or a certificate of achievement ( ).
They take place not only in France, but also abroad, in countries such as Argentina, Peru, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Sudan, Mali, Senegal, Lebanon, Haiti and Georgia. We are also in discussions to develop our activities in Kosovo, Moldavia, Tunisia, Armenia, Benin, Equatorial Guinea, Morocco, Mexico…
In partnership with Strasbourg’s Faculty of Law, the Foundation also oversees the Human Rights Clinic. This clinic offers advanced students two years of in-depth theoretical training in international human rights law, and a study of litigation before the European Court of Human Rights and United Nations bodies.
Research
The Foundation organizes scientific events on human rights issues and supports numerous academic events throughout the year. In addition, Foundation representatives regularly take part in colloquia, conferences and study days. The Foundation’s support for research is also reflected in the publication of works by Éditions Pedone.
The Foundation’s research activities also take the form of an annual French and English thesis prize. This is rewarded by publication with Editions Pedone, underwritten by the René Cassin Foundation.
Permanent team
The René Cassin Foundation is pleased to present its permanent team.
Faithful to the objectives set by René Cassin, the dynamic and committed team brings to life and develops training and research initiatives to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms in France and around the world.
Emmanuel DECAUX
Chairman
sébastien TOUZÉ
Director
Valérie BAUD-CANDAU
Assistant Manager
Anne-laure SÉNÉ
Executive Assistant Project Manager
Kathy BINGLER
Administrative and financial manager
Elsa ZIMMER
Program Manager (International)
Arthur QUATTROCHI
Program Manager
Ameline TISON
Program Manager
Louise HUMBERT
Work-study student – Communication
Adem YAZIDI
Work-study student – Finance and accounting
Our Service Civique volunteers
The René Cassin Foundation is extremely fortunate to be able to count on a team of young civic service volunteers. Through their commitment and motivation, they make a major contribution to the success of our activities.
For further information, please consult our civic service volunteer opportunities.
Olivia PEREIRA BLANCO
Civic Service Volunteer
Elise PIQUART
Civic Service Volunteer
