This course explores international human rights law across a range of contemporary topics. We begin by unpacking foundational issues pertaining to sources, responsibility, and remedies in international human rights law. We then explore novel developments at international human rights institutions, including the recent focus on inter-state complaints and environmental degradation and climate change by treaty-bodies and courts. Subsequent sessions will break down the categories of rights, as well as the evolution and content of human rights obligations of international cooperation. We will also take that opportunity to study and critique human rights law through the lens of the global coronavirus pandemic. Other topics covered this year include indigenous lands rights; human rights and water; and business and human rights. A seminar that explores human rights and resistance will draw the course to a close. 

This course situates human rights in wider socio-economic and political context. Through the study of relevant concepts, norms, processes and debates students are encouraged to develop an informed and critical assessment of the significance of international human rights law as a force for emancipatory change.