Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200961

Coordinator Robert Mezyk Opens in new window

Description This unit examines the foundations of the concept of human rights under international law, how international law became concerned with the rights of individuals and the development of international measures for the protection of human rights. It examines the extent of compromise of international human rights where sovereignty, cultural relativism and political resistance preclude comprehensive incorporation of some fundamental human rights principles in domestic law. Instruments such as The Charter of the United Nations, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights are also examined.

School Law

Discipline International Law

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in programs 8083 Bachelor of Research Studies/Master of Research, 8084/8085 Master of Research, 2810 Master of Laws (International Governance), 2824 Master of Laws or 2826 Juris Doctor.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Evaluate the fundamental norms of international human rights law, including the provisions of the principal human rights instruments and important jurisprudence of relevant human rights bodies;
2. Evaluate the principal human rights-related institutions;
3. Explain the effectiveness of their procedures at the international level for the protection and promotion of human rights;
4. Critically analyse and assess the major (non-legal) challenges to international human rights law;
5. Apply human rights principles in negotiations and problem solving.

Subject Content

1. Historical and philosophical foundations of human rights
2. Challenges to traditional conceptions of human rights
3. International human rights norms and institutions
4. Regional human rights systems
5. Human rights protection at the national level
6. The human rights treaty monitoring system
7. Case studies of human rights interventions on specific issues, which might include: asylum seekers; indigenous peoples; human trafficking; children?fs rights; rights of women; peace and security
8. Case studies of human rights interventions in specific countries, which might include Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Timor Leste, Myanmar, Russia