International Human Rights has increasingly become one of the yardsticks for measuring the conduct of States and non-state actors. Reference to human rights is frequently used in common discourse, the media and in allegations against human rights "violators" as if human rights are self-evident, self explanatory and automatically binding. This course provides an overview of the international system for the protection of human rights. It attempts to unpack the concept of human rights, its evolution and critiques of human rights. We will learn about enforcement mechanisms such as United Nations mechanisms, the European Court of Human Rights and in certain cases domestic implementation of international human rights obligations. We will delve into current issues, such as the prohibition on torture, discrimination against women, cultural relativism, economic and social rights, non-state actors including corporations and the intersection of international human rights law and international criminal law. We will also focus on the realities of human rights practice and advocacy and legal strategies to address human rights.
International Human Rights has increasingly become one of the yardsticks for measuring the conduct of States and non-state actors. Reference to human rights is frequently used in common discourse, the media and in allegations against human rights "violators" as if human rights are self-evident, self explanatory and automatically binding. This course provides an overview of the international system for the protection of human rights. It attempts to unpack the concept of human rights, its evolution and critiques of human rights. We will learn about enforcement mechanisms such as United Nations mechanisms, the European Court of Human Rights and in certain cases domestic implementation of international human rights obligations. We will delve into current issues, such as the prohibition on torture, discrimination against women, cultural relativism, economic and social rights, non-state actors including corporations and the intersection of international human rights law and international criminal law. We will also focus on the realities of human rights practice and advocacy and legal strategies to address human rights.
