Human Rights and International Law (Taught)

Examine the rhetoric and reality of human rights through a focus on issues that bridge theory and practice.

Navigate the complex landscape of international human rights law, from the foundational UN treaty system and regional mechanisms to contemporary challenges in human rights law. The course integrates knowledge across human rights, development, international relations, conflict studies, and migration law, providing you with sophisticated understanding of how rights frameworks operate within broader political, social, and economic contexts.

Taking an interdisciplinary and holistic approach, you will acquire specialist knowledge of international legal instruments including the International Bill of Rights, core UN treaties, and regional systems like the European and Inter-American human rights frameworks.

You will engage with the mechanics of treaty body systems and individual complaint procedures while developing critical awareness of customary international law and jus cogens norms. This knowledge foundation will be informed by current thinking and debate around emerging issues such as business and human rights, transitional justice, human rights and terrorism and war.