International Human Rights LAW 312

Description

The course involves both a definition of human rights as well as enforcement procedures for the implementation of human rights. The historical and philosophical bases of human rights are examined starting with the works of various thinkers from the diverse schools, particularly natural law, positivism, Marxism and the sociological school. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the later International Covenants are looked at in terms of the influences of the various schools. The course addresses the question of whether there is agreement as to fundamental human rights. Recent developments and tensions in the field of human rights, particularly since the increased membership of countries from the "third world" and socialist bloc countries, are investigated. This is highlighted by focusing on the later two covenants of the United Nations particularly the Covenant on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights, which enlarges the scope of human rights to include welfare, cultural, and economic rights. Finally, the course focuses on the contribution of international and non-governmental organizations in the protection and implementation of human rights.

Schedule