On Saturday, June 7, 2025, a Letter of Intent was signed at the University of Patras by the Rectors of the University of the Peloponnese, Professor Dr. Athanasios Katsis and the University of Patras, Professor Dr. Christos Bouras, together with the UNICEF Diplomatic Representative in Greece, Dr. Ghassan Khalil. This agreement marks the beginning of a new master’s programme (MA) dedicated to the promotion and study of Child Rights.
The program will be developed in close collaboration with UNICEF and delivered through the Child Rights Centers of both universities. The planning and coordination are being led by Dr. Ghassan Khalil and the Coordinators of the Centers of the two Universities, Professor Efthalia (Elia) Chatzigianni, Vice-Rector for Administrative Affairs, International Relations & Outreach, University of the Peloponnese, and Professor Athanasios Karalis, University of Patras.
The programme aims to equip students with specialized knowledge and practical skills in the field of children’s rights, combining both theoretical and practical approaches.
Courses will be conducted entirely in English to ensure international accessibility and to encourage the participation of students from around the world.
This initiative will also include opportunities for student and teaching staff exchanges, as well as the participation of faculty members in teaching or conducting special lectures, in their areas of specialization.
About the Child Rights Centers
Child Rights’ centers are established in the framework of academic institutions in Greece upon initiative and in cooperation with UNICEF Greece. They are hubs for knowledge, education, research, data and the documentation and promotion of children’s rights.
The University of the Peloponnese established its Child Rights center in March 2025 with the aim to facilitate the promotion of children’s rights to the academic community and society at large, through workshops, conferences, public events, awareness-raising campaigns and the integration of children’s rights in academic, teaching and research work.
The Center is coordinated by Professor Efthalia (Elia) Chatzigianni, with Associate Professor Konstantinos Konstantopoulos serving as Deputy Coordinator.
More information about the UoP Child Rights Center: https://www.uop.gr/en/centre-for-the-rights-of-the-child
Contact: unicef@uop.gr | unicef@go.uop.gr
