National Human Rights Institutions

Subject 730-818 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 - 26 contact hours per subject.
Total Time Commitment: The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidate's background and experience.
Prerequisites: N.A.
Corequisites: N.A.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: N.A.

Coordinator

Professor Brian Burdekin
Subject Overview:

Objectives:

A candidate who has successfully completed the subject should:

  • Understand the importance of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in promoting and protecting human rights
  • Understand the importance of using various strategies (e.g. national inquiries into systemic violations) to protect human rights and prevent human rights violations
  • Understand the relationship between NHRIs and:
    • The executive government
    • The legislature (parliament)
    • The judiciary Other independent institutions (e.g. the Ombudsman, Anti-Corruption Commission)
    • NGOs and civil society generally
  • Understand the value of alternative dispute resolution in providing effective and timely remedies for violations of human rights
  • Have a working knowledge of the diversity of NHRIs in the Asia-Pacific region.

Syllabus:

Principal topics will include:

  • The international standards governing National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)
  • The role of NHRIs in promoting and protecting human rights from theory to practice; effective strategies; prevention and early intervention
  • International monitoring mechanisms and their relationship to NHRIs; the effect of globalisation
  • The mandates, functions and powers of NHRIs, with specific attention to those in Australia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand, and references to those in Afghanistan, Jordan and Palestine
  • The relationship between NHRIs and government, parliament, the judiciary, other independent institutions, NGOs and civil society
  • International and regional cooperation among NHRIs.
Assessment:
  • Research paper 10,000 words (100%) (16 October) (topic approved by the subject coordinator)
Prescribed Texts: Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.
Links to further information: 730-818National Human Rights InstitutionsMelbourne Law Masters, postgraduate law, post-graduate law, graduate law2008

Objectives:

A candidate who has successfully completed the subject should:

  • Understand the importance of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in promoting and protecting human rights
  • Understand the importance of using various strategies (e.g. national inquiries into systemic violations) to protect human rights and prevent human rights violations
  • Understand the relationship between NHRIs and:
    • The executive government
    • The legislature (parliament)
    • The judiciary Other independent institutions (e.g. the Ombudsman, Anti-Corruption Commission)
    • NGOs and civil society generally
  • Understand the value of alternative dispute resolution in providing effective and timely remedies for violations of human rights
  • Have a working knowledge of the diversity of NHRIs in the Asia-Pacific region.

Syllabus:

Principal topics will include:

  • The international standards governing National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)
  • The role of NHRIs in promoting and protecting human rights from theory to practice; effective strategies; prevention and early intervention
  • International monitoring mechanisms and their relationship to NHRIs; the effect of globalisation
  • The mandates, functions and powers of NHRIs, with specific attention to those in Australia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand, and references to those in Afghanistan, Jordan and Palestine
  • The relationship between NHRIs and government, parliament, the judiciary, other independent institutions, NGOs and civil society
  • International and regional cooperation among NHRIs.
  • Research paper 10,000 words (100%) (16 October) (topic approved by the subject coordinator)
N.A.N.A.24 - 26 contact hours per subject.Core subject materials will be provided free of charge to all students. Some subjects require further texts to be purchased. Please visit the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website by following the link at the bottom of this subject entry.Please see the Subject Objectives for this information.The time commitment for this subject depends on the candidate's background and experience.N.A.Please see the subject homepage on the Melbourne Law Masters website for up to date timetable information.Professor Brian BurdekinLawFor the latest information on this subject, please visit: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/subject/730818P12.500Semester 2NLawLaw730-818

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