module specification

History, and the history of the last hundred years in particular, has laid bare the fact that not all humans have universally enjoyed human rights. Where these rights exist, the recognition and enforcement of these rights are often closely linked with, and affected by, political and economic considerations both within sovereign states and between them.

International human rights have been shaped by institutions including the United Nations, supported by the evolution of a legal framework of treaties and conventions to identify and protect the rights of all people.

The International Human Rights Law module introduces students to key principles of international human rights and the implementation of these rights through international organisations and principles of public international law. 

Topical issues will be discussed using contemporary issues where relevant, to reflect on the recognition and implementation of international human rights including individual rights and freedoms, the relationship between the individual and the state.

A detailed consideration of the European approach to human rights through the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998, as well as the impact of war, will be considered in other modules on the course (Human Rights in Europe; Public International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights and Criminal Justice).

MODULE AIMS

Students on this module will develop a comprehensive understanding of the legal issues attached to international human rights. This includes the Declaration on Human Rights (DHR) and Covenants (civil land political rights, economic, social and cultural rights), international and regional frameworks such as the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the Arab Charter on Human Rights and a consideration of the role of international organisations in the implementation of human rights at international level.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• appreciate the historical context of international human rights;
• understand the framework of international law as it relates to human rights;
• understand and appreciate the role of international organisations in the development of international human rights;
• critically analyse the scope and nature of internal human rights laws and conventions;
• understand the challenges of implementation and enforcement of international human rights law and principles;
• have the opportunity to apply knowledge through a series of practical exercises;
• critically analyses the scope of human rights within the wider political and socio-economic context;
• awareness of contemporary issues relating to public international and human rights law;
• develop their ability to construct legal arguments.

No pre-requisites. Not available for Study Abroad.

Introduction

• What is international human rights law?
• Historical contextual development of human rights
• Overview of principles of international law within the context of human rights
• Role of the United Nations in the development of international human rights and its influence on states and individuals

International human rights legal framework and organisations

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (International Bill of Human Rights)

1. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
2. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Regional human rights framework

• Selected regional legal frameworks including:

1. African Charter on Human and People’s Rights
2. Arab Charter on Human Rights

Implementation and enforcement of international human rights

• Political and economic considerations

Contemporary and topical issues in international human rights

Overview

Students will be taught by a combination of online lectures, interactive online seminars, one-to-one supervision, and self-study of a comprehensive module, with students encouraged to read from specified case law and legal journals. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss theoretical issues as well as practical problem solving.  Students will be supported in undertaking on-line research using electronic law databases and encouraged to use on line legal resources on a regular basis. There is a virtual learning environment containing handbooks, lecture notes, weblinks, discussion groups, study skills materials and assessment criteria. 

Experiential Learning

Students will be encouraged to respond to realistic case-studies relating to the sector, giving written legal opinions to clients in the style of a professional legal advisor. Students will also be able to participate in the extracurricular experiential learning offered within the Law School, including the Pro Bono Clinic and the Mooting Club.

Study Support

Students will have regular access to module tutors by email and by one-to-one video conferences to support their studies. They will also engage with one formative assessment for each module, which will be marked promptly with opportunities for feedback either by email or individual online discussion.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to do the following:

1. Understand the historical context for the development of international human rights
2. Comprehend and manage a substantial body of legal knowledge focused on international human rights.
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the regional and state approaches to international human rights law and the factors influencing implementation and enforcement using contemporary case studies
4. Research and manage legal information from paper and IT resources and present competent legal arguments in writing.
5. Synthesise relevant case law and statute, understand and present conflicting arguments and apply the law to problem scenarios relevant to all aspects of public international and human rights law.

The module adopts the assessment strategy principles of GSBL which have been developed in the spirit of ESJ. These are:

1. The School is committed to ensuring that each student should not have more no more than 2 assessment points per 20 credit module.
2. We provide balanced forms of assessment, both in terms of its overall volume (measured in terms of assessment points and output required and the types used.
3. Group activities are part of the learning and teaching strategies but assessment is at the level of the individual. Thus, assessment focused on individual reflections and learning from participating in a group activity.
4. Flexibility/choice in assessment methods will be introduced wherever possible in order to facilitate different learning studies and support personalization

Assessment of the module will be by way of an online continuing report (such as a weblog) identifying contemporary issues relating to advertising practice in the context of legal regulation and restrictions.

In line with our policy on facilitating formative feedback to students, the assessment strategy is designed to provide formative feedback on the assessment before it is due to be submitted.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/D4137BE5-B0F9-EDC5-939C-181C9002C63F.html?lang=en-US&login=1