Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

• With a starting point in the historic human rights discussions in philosophy, domestic politics and international relations that continue to shape understanding and legal discourse, this course places the student in the middle of the modern international human rights law (IHRL) system, starting with the establishment of the United Nations, the proclamation of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and the creation of a series of core human rights treaties. The course focuses on understanding and analyzing individual and groups’ rights under IHRL, from the viewpoint of the issues that currently challenge states’ implementation of obligations under IHRL, including issues such as dominance and conflict, discrimination, arbitrary detention, displacement and mass migration, technology and capitalism. The course thus follows the establishment of legal and institutional frameworks, including treaties, customary law and other instruments, ensuring state obligations and implementation for international and regional protection and enforcement of human rights including global individual protection in business and human rights (BHR). Specific rights will be considered such as equality, the rights to life and liberty, the prohibition on torture and other forms of ill-treatment, and economic, cultural and social rights in the context of current legal, political and social problems.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• The history and philosophical underpinnings of human rights protection, its justification and critique
• The development, legal frameworks and institutions of the UN and regional human rights systems
• The main legal principles of IHRL, including universality and indivisibility of human rights
• The nine core UN treaties and other important IHRL instruments
• The legal concept of jurisdiction under IHRL
• States’ negative and positive obligations in relation to human rights, and limitations of rights
• The protection of human rights within the field of business and human rights (BHR)
• The interaction between IHRL and national law

Skills

• Use the terminology and concepts of IHRL and BHR
• Independently identify and research IHRL problems and related sources of law
• Interpret and apply specific human rights provisions
• Identify relevant instruments and apply the principals of BHR
• Present and explain an analysis and findings in relation to a theoretical or practical problem under IHRL or BHR, orally and in writing
• Understand and challenge the deficiencies of the IHRL system

Competences

• Identifying and analysing natural rights concepts and how these influence modern legal discourse
• Identifying, analysing and discussing legal solutions to problems within the fields of IHRL and BHR
• Understanding and analysing the connection between IHRL, other areas of international law, and international relations
• Understanding the relationship between IHRL and BHR
• Advising governments, state authorities or other organizations on past, present and potential legal issues under IHRL, or advising on the role and responsibility of private enterprises

Type of instruction

• Workshops

Students are expected to physically show up to class to participate in group and project work.

Extent and expected workload

• 270 hours

Exam

Exams