This course provides an advanced and comprehensive exploration of the legal frameworks, philosophical foundations, institutions, and enforcement challenges of international human rights. It examines both the normative development and practical implementation of human rights protections across national and international legal systems.
Key topics include the history of human rights, major international treaties and institutions, the role of regional systems (e.g., Inter-American, European, African), state responsibilities, non-state actors, and the legal and ethical issues surrounding enforcement. The course also analyzes case studies involving genocide, torture, economic and social rights, gender justice, environmental rights, and the emerging intersection of technology and human rights.
Designed for students pursuing careers in international law, public interest advocacy, government, and global policy, the course emphasizes critical engagement with legal texts, current events, and normative theories to understand the evolving nature of human dignity and justice.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
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Understand the historical and philosophical foundations of international human rights.
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Identify and interpret the major international human rights treaties and customary norms.
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Analyze the functions and limitations of international and regional enforcement mechanisms.
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Evaluate state obligations and accountability for human rights violations.
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Examine the role of NGOs, corporations, courts, and civil society in advancing human rights.
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Engage with contemporary debates on universality, cultural relativism, and competing priorities.
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Apply human rights norms to real-world problems involving conflict, discrimination, inequality, and governance.
