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Global Human Rights Law (LAWS20012)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Global human rights law plays a complex role in society. Human rights often frame national and international discussions about justice and fairness. Formally inaugurated with the founding of the United Nations in 1945, the modern international human rights system comprises institutions, declarations, treaties, court cases and practices. It is fair to say that human rights law has been a source of great inspiration as well as profound disappointment. Its principles appear to promise a great deal, but it has been difficult to realise this potential. This subject aims to introduce students to the legal principles, institutions and legal questions at the heart of the global human rights system and to consider why the language of human rights remains powerful.
The subject will consider current issues in global human rights law including:
- The history and structure of the United Nations human rights system
- Debates about the universal applicability of international human rights norms
- Regional human rights systems
- Human rights and intersectionality
- Indigenous peoples and human rights
- Human rights in the age of COVID 19
- Human rights and disability
- The human rights of asylum seekers
- Human rights and personhood
- Australia’s implementation of international human rights standards
Intended learning outcomes
A student who has successfully completed the subject should have:
- Obtained a general knowledge of the international human rights legal instruments and institutions
- Acquired an understanding of various theoretical approaches to human rights, including critiques of the idea of human rights law
- Developed a capacity to identify accountability for human rights in contemporary events
- Analysed and applied human rights law in a range of current contexts
- Developed advocacy skills through the application of human rights law to current social problems; and
- Understood both the potential and limits of global law and institutions in responding to human rights abuses.
Generic skills
- On completion of this subject, students should have developed skills in: • Reading inter-disciplinary material in preparation for class; • Analysing conceptual and practical human rights problems through a legal lens; • Using legal norms as the basis for advocacy; • Writing clearly for assignments; and • Verbal communication through group discussions in tutorials.
Last updated: 22 March 2024