International Human Rights Law from edX

Human rights have been defined as a concern of the international community since the post-Second World War period, when the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the prohibition of discrimination were included among the objectives of the newly established United Nations. They have significantly expanded their reach since: they now influence various branches of domestic law, including family law, employment law, corporate law, or criminal law. They also have influenced the shaping of international relations, in areas such as development cooperation, foreign debt, the global fight against terrorism, or the quest for sustainable development.

Governments remain the main actors in the development of human rights. Civil society (non-governmental organisations) and social movements, however, increasingly contribute to shaping their contours, and human rights are now evolving as a result of the constant dialogue between international human rights bodies and domestic courts, in a search that crosses geographical, cultural and legal boundaries. This course will explore how human rights evolve and how they can be enforced and progressively realized. It will examine the sources of human rights, including both civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights. It will address the specific regime of human rights law as part of general international law. It will relate the rights of individuals to the duties of States (to respect, protect and fulfil human rights). And it will assess the effectiveness of the mechanisms of protection of human rights, at both domestic and regional or international levels.

The course relies extensively on comparative material from different jurisdictions, to study a wide range of topics including, for instance, religious freedom in multicultural societies, human rights in employment relationships, economic and social rights in development, the human rights responsibilities of corporations, or human rights in the context of the fight against terrorism.

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Learning objectives

Analyze and comment on key controversies surrounding the development of international human rights law.
Rely on the mechanisms for the protection of human rights, at domestic and regional or international levels, in order to contribute to their effective enforcement.
Use conceptual tools to follow the developments of human rights law.

Be an active participant in the global human rights movement, which brings together trade unions, ngos, national human rights institutions, and activist lawyers from different world regions.
At the end of the course you’ll be able to:

Analyze and comment on key controversies surrounding the development of international human rights law.
Rely on the mechanisms for the protection of human rights, at domestic and regional or international levels, in order to contribute to their effective enforcement.
Use conceptual tools to follow the developments of human rights law.
Be an active participant in the global human rights movement, which brings together trade unions, ngos, national human rights institutions, and activist lawyers from different world regions.
At the end of the course you’ll be able to:

Syllabus

1. What are human rights?1.1. The sources of human rights law1.2. Human rights and the theory of sources1.3. The special nature of human rights1.4. The question of reservations to human rights treaties1.5. The jus commune of human rights

2. To which situations do human rights apply?2.1. Jurisdiction – an introduction2.2. Human rights, State sovereignty, and national territory2.3. The typology of human rights: respect – protect – fulfill2.4. Situations of emergency and derogations

3. When may human rights be restricted?3.1. The absolute prohibition of torture and ill-treatment3.2. Deportation of aliens and the prohibition of ill-treatment3.3. Limitations to human rights: legitimacy3.4. Limitation to human rights: legality3.5. Limitation to human rights: necessity

4. When must the State intervene to protect human rights?4.1. The State’s duty to protect human rights: introduction4.2. Waiver of rights4.3. Conflicts between human rights in inter-individual relationships4.4. Transnational corporations

5. How much must States do to fulfill human rights?5.1. The duty to fulfill – introduction5.2. What are human rights-based policies?5.3. How is progress measured? Indicators and benchmarks5.4. How much is enough? “Progressive realization”

6. What is discrimination?6.1. When does the non-discrimination requirement apply?6.2. What are the States’ obligations?6.3. How to address profiling and stereotyping?6.4. What is discrimination?

7. How are human rights protected at domestic level?7.1. What is the right to an effective remedy?7.2. The justiciability of social rights7.3. The role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)

8. How are human rights protected at international level?8.1. The Human Rights Council and the Universal Periodic Review8.2. The Human Rights Council and its Special Procedures8.3. UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies and individual communications

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Examines legal regimes, such as criminal and family law, that were originally within the realm of domestic policy but are now significantly influenced by international human rights law

Offers expertise from Olivier De Schutter, a recognized expert in the field

Emphasizes the progressive realization and enforcement of human rights

Facilitates application of conceptual legal tools in analyzing human rights developments

Requires certain background knowledge, such as an understanding of legal terminology

Reviews summary

Internationally acclaimed human rights course

Learners say this internationally recognized human rights course emphasizes the global importance of protecting and respecting rights within all societies. Students consistently give instructors, coursework, and curriculum high marks and remark that this highly acclaimed course provides essential knowledge about human rights law.

Great assignments and informative lectures.

Instructors are knowledgeable and well respected.

"So apaixonado por Direito que funcioná ñ gosto de ver os direitos serem violados."

"A Luta contra as classes os preconceitos,e as perseguição por parte do auto escalão isso ten que acabar porquê ainda vai existir pessoas que vão lutar contra essas que usam a caneta em benefício próprio."

Essential knowledge on human rights law.

"INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS HELPS PEOPLE TO KNOW THEIR RIGHTS, WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM THEM AND WHAT IS NOT EXPECTED."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in International Human Rights Law with these activities:

Examine Human Rights Law: Theory and Practice

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Review this book over the themes of human rights legality and legitimacy to better prepare for the modules on sources of human rights law.

View Blame It on the WTO?: A Human Rights Critique on Amazon

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Read through the first four chapters of the book.
Annotate the book as you read, highlighting key concepts and arguments.
Summarize the main arguments presented in each chapter.

Human Rights Case Study Presentation

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Creating a multimedia presentation based on a human rights case study will help you understand the practical applications of human rights law.

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Select a human rights case study that interests you.
Research the case in-depth, analyzing the legal and ethical issues involved.
Create a multimedia presentation that explains the case, the human rights issues at stake, and your analysis.

Human Rights Policy Brief

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Draft a policy brief on a human rights issue to apply your understanding of the international human rights framework and develop practical policy recommendations.

Browse courses on Policy Brief

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Identify a specific human rights issue that you are interested in.
Research the issue thoroughly, including the relevant international human rights law and best practices.
Develop a policy brief that outlines the issue, analyzes the current situation, and makes specific recommendations for policy change.

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Human Rights Advocacy Campaign

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Simulate a real-life human rights advocacy campaign to put your knowledge of human rights law into practice and gain hands-on experience in advocacy.

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Identify a human rights issue that you are passionate about.
Research the issue thoroughly and develop a campaign strategy.
Create advocacy materials, such as a petition, website, or social media campaign.

Career center

Learners who complete International Human Rights Law will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Law Professor

Law Professors teach and research law. An understanding of international human rights law is essential for Law Professors who teach courses on human rights or international law.

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Public Interest Lawyer

Public Interest Lawyers represent individuals or groups who cannot afford to pay for legal services. A strong understanding of international human rights law is essential for Public Interest Lawyers who work on human rights cases.

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Human Rights Officer

Human Rights Officers are responsible for promoting and protecting human rights. They work for governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. This course may be useful for Human Rights Officers who want to learn more about the sources of human rights law, the mechanisms for protecting human rights, and the challenges of implementing human rights law.

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Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries' interests in foreign countries. They negotiate with foreign governments, promote their countries' policies, and report on political and economic conditions. A deep understanding of international human rights law is essential for diplomats who work on human rights issues.

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United Nations Officer

United Nations Officers work for the United Nations and its agencies. A strong understanding of international human rights law is essential for United Nations Officers who work on human rights issues.

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International Development Officer

International Development Officers work for governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations to promote economic and social development in developing countries. A strong understanding of international human rights law is essential for International Development Officers who work on projects that aim to promote human rights or address human rights violations.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct research on a variety of topics. A strong understanding of international human rights law is essential for Researchers who study human rights or work for organizations that promote human rights.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. A strong understanding of international human rights law is essential for Policy Analysts who work on issues related to human rights.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with personal and social problems. A strong understanding of international human rights law is essential for Social Workers who work with clients who have been affected by human rights violations.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. A strong understanding of international human rights law is essential for Nonprofit Managers who work for organizations that promote human rights or address human rights violations.

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Attorney

Attorneys advise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private matters. An understanding of international human rights law can be useful for Attorneys who specialize in human rights cases or work for organizations that promote human rights.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study politics and government. An understanding of international human rights law is essential for Political Scientists who study human rights or work for organizations that promote human rights.

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Journalist

Journalists investigate and report on news and current events. An understanding of international human rights law can be useful for Journalists who cover human rights issues or work for media organizations that focus on human rights.

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Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes. A strong understanding of international human rights law is essential for Writers who write about human rights issues or work for organizations that promote human rights.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels. A strong understanding of international human rights law is essential for Teachers who teach courses on human rights or social studies.

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