International Protection of Human Rights

Explore the dynamic field of International Protection of Human Rights. This course examines the remarkable emergence and growth of human rights as a central pillar of modern international law, challenging traditional notions of state sovereignty by establishing rights for individuals and groups opposable against states.

We delve into the foundational developments, tracing the evolution from early precursors to the landmark United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Understand how these instruments paved the way for formal recognition of individual entitlements on the international stage.

The course analyzes the key universal treaty regimes, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Learn about the different generations of rights, the debates surrounding their nature and implementation, and the development of specialized human rights conventions.

Examine the role of complementary regional human rights systems, such as those in Europe, the Americas, and Africa, investigating their unique features, strengths, and limitations in defining and protecting human rights compared to the universal framework.

Finally, the course addresses contemporary challenges and points of contention. We discuss issues like the interpretation of universal norms in diverse cultural contexts and, critically, the persistent difficulties in establishing effective compliance and enforcement mechanisms to ensure state accountability for human rights violations.

Gain essential familiarity with the overall international human rights framework, understanding its historical trajectory, core principles, key institutions, and the ongoing struggles to translate recognized rights into lived reality worldwide.