International Human Rights Law

 

The world of international human rights law has grown exponentially in the past 50 years. New institutions have been created, treaties have been adopted and innovative solutions have been found to both the old and new problems that face the realisation of universal enjoyment of human rights for all.

This option provides a tour d’horizon of the international regime for the protection of human rights. There are a number of international efforts that have been developed to ensure states respect and protect human rights – both global initiatives that have generally been UN-led as well as regional efforts. The myriad of institutions mandated to promote and protect human rights will be introduced and their work critically assessed. Attention will also be paid to national efforts to protect human rights as well as the work of civil society. Taken together, this evaluation of the institutional mechanisms for the protection of human rights, both international and national, will provide a holistic understanding of how the international human rights system works. In addition, by focussing on a selection of substantive rights, a host of issues relating to the effectiveness of the international human rights system are also highlighted. Consideration will be given to the nature of state’s obligations under human rights treaties and how these have evolved to meet the new challenges that affect the enjoyment of human rights.

This module is essential for those who wish to work in the world of human rights, whether within government, inter-governmental organisations or civil society.

Image courtesy of the UN.