Module Directory

This module provides an overview and grounding in international human rights law, particularly as recognised and developed through the UN machinery for the promotion and protection of human rights and regional human rights bodies.

The module starts by examining the actors bound by, and contributing to the development of, international human rights law as well as key critiques, methods of interpretation, and questions of scope and application.

The module then turns to examine specific human rights, including: the rights to life, to be free from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, to not be subject to enforced disappearance, to liberty and security of the person, to fair trial, to an adequate standard of living, to social security, to the highest attainable standard of health, to education, cultural rights, privacy, to freedom of religion, expression, association and assembly, to a healthy environment, and to a remedy. The module also studies treaties on the rights of specific groups.

While a wide range of rights are considered, the length of the course prohibits a comprehensive exploration. However, the design of the course ensures that any rights not covered are addressed elsewhere in the syllabus.

The aims of this module are:

• To provide students with an analytical, critical and contextual introduction to international human rights law. It includes both international and regional norms, institutions and processes, as well as some issues arising from the national implementation of these norms.


• To provide a solid legal foundation on the basis of which students will pursue their more specialised optional courses and human rights research. While the scope and depth of the subject does not permit LW901 to cover all relevant issues, it aims to familiarise students with the major contemporary features and debates within international human rights law.


• To provide students with an opportunity to develop their analytical skills in relation to the international law of human rights.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Comprehension of legal methodology and legal writing appropriate for a Master’s level course.


2. Ability to discuss and evaluate the major theoretical approaches to human rights law.


3. Ability to discuss and evaluate the major institutions responsible for overseeing and protecting human rights.


4. Ability to critically assess and address practical problems involving human rights protection.


5. Ability to apply the law accurately and critically to practical situations.

Indicative Topics:

• Introduction, equality and non-discrimination


• The ICCPR / ICESCR: common and different obligations


• Scope of application, jurisdiction and extraterritoriality


• Progressive realization, core obligations, and non-retrogression


• Emergencies/derogations and limitations


• Rights in context: terrorism and armed conflict


• Physical integrity and wellbeing


• Right to health


• Right to life


• Detention, torture and cruel and inhumane and degrading treatment


• Development and environment


• Right to adequate standard of living


• Right to education


• Right to a healthy environment


• Rights in context: Capitalism & human rights


• Expression and participation


• Freedom of religion, speech, assembly, and association


• Right to self-determination


• Rights in context: rights of minorities and indigenous peoples


• Enforcement and compliance


• Right to an effective remedy, justiciability and enforcement


• Litigation and other practices

This module will be delivered via:

• Weekly 2-hour seminars
• Weekly 1-hour tutorials

The module teaching team will upload all relevant teaching materials on Moodle. You will find reading lists, the textbook, weekly handouts or PPS notes on Moodle. The materials in question are designed both to help you navigate the material to be covered in the seminars and to equip you to analyse the required readings. You will be expected to have completed the required readings in advance of your seminars.