International Human Rights Law

Subject LAWS70264 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 7 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

February, Parkville - 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: The total class time is between 24 and 26 hours.
Total Time Commitment: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Prerequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Corequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Non Allowed Subjects: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Core Participation Requirements: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.

Coordinator

Assoc Prof John Tobin

Contact

For the most up-to-date information about this subject, contact the Melbourne Law Masters Office by email at law-masters@unimelb.edu.au or phone 8344 6190 or alternatively visit the subject website: www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

Principal topics will include:

  • Human rights and the challenges posed by state sovereignty and national security
  • The contested universality of human rights
  • The international institutional framework for the protection of human rights, with a special focus on the Human Rights Council and treaty monitoring system
  • The interpretation and application of selected rights from the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
  • Domestic measures for the implementation of human rights, such as judicial implementation of economic, social and cultural rights
  • NGOs and their role in the protection of human rights
  • The contribution of international criminal courts and truth and reconciliation commissions to the protection of human rights
  • Current issues, such as refugees, non-discrimination and gender mainstreaming
  • Human rights and the challenges posed by economic globalisation.
Objectives:

A student who has successfully completed this subject should:

  • Have a sound understanding of the history and philosophy of international human rights
  • Be able to understand and assess claims as to the contested universality of international human rights
  • Have a detailed knowledge of the international legal and institutional frameworks for the protection of human rights
  • Be able to assess the effectiveness of different mechanisms for implementing or enforcing human rights, such as judicial implementation, international criminal courts, and truth and reconciliation commissions
  • Understand the central role played by nongovernment organisations (NGOs) in the international system
  • Develop the capacity to examine current issues by reference to international human rights standards
  • Be able to understand the challenges posed to the implementation of international human rights in the context of globalisation.
Assessment:

Take-home examination (100%) (16-19 April)
or
10,000 word research paper (100%) (20 May) on a topic approved by the subject coordinator
Prescribed Texts: Visit the subject website for more information
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Links to further information: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/

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