International Human Rights

Introduction

Many governmental and private actors do not have a complete understanding of the meaning and implication of the term “human rights”. What exactly is a human right and how did such a concept develop that all individuals are entitled to rights?

The questions are further heightened when considering human rights in the international framework. That is, how can we even consider international human rights without the formalized creation of a state or world body that is meant to oversee and enforce such rights? Yet, it seems that international human rights exist in some form, especially when listening to news commentaries or world leaders making the case for a particular action in order to protect the human rights of individuals in another country. Is it possible – or even realistic – to contemplate one state acting on behalf of individuals in another country? While on a humanist level it is understood that all individuals maintain some form of rights, it seems rather odd when considering the rights of individuals in another country. Furthermore, it is clear that people from different countries maintain a different understanding of rights. Yet, the claim still exists that all individuals have human rights based on international law. How is this possible? Are these “rights” substantive in any sense or at least enforceable? What of international organizations like the United Nations – what role do human rights play therein? Are human rights altered as a result of foreign policy or international relations?

As the title implies, the course focuses on international human rights. That is, the context of study is within the international human rights system, and not the domestic jurisdiction of a particular country. Rather than studying a domestic constitution or the US Bill of Rights, the course will focus on the development of international human rights. Thus, the course focuses on the meaning, implication, and application of international human rights solely within the international legal system.

That is not to imply that the course is legal-oriented, but rather that the issues to be discussed and developed will take place within the international system. Issues to be considered will be what are human rights? What is the meaning of a right and can there actually be an international notion of human rights? How are international human rights applied and is it effective? What are the different systems and methods of application and do they differ in a regional versus international framework? What of specific rights like the prohibition of torture or free speech? What of individual versus group rights and how do they differ?

Lessons

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