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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title International Human Rights Law
Module Code LG523A
School School of Law & Government
Online Module Resources

Module TeacherNoelle Higgins
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
The purpose of this module is to examine and critique the history, development, structure and efficacy of the international human rights law framework. In this module students will investigate the legal framework of the United Nations and of regional systems with regard to the promotion and protection of human rights. Students will examine and critique human rights legal provisions and violations thereof as well as the remedies which are available. This module provides a platform of knowledge whereby students can evaluate and appraise international human rights legislation and norms. Students are expected to attend weekly lectures. They are also expected to research and read relevant articles and contribute to class discussion.

Learning Outcomes
1. Analyse the international human rights law system and regional human rights law systems
2. Evaluate regional and international legal mechanisms and procedures of human rights law enforcement
3. Appraise the nature and effectiveness of international human treaties, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
4. Critically assess specific areas of international human rights law with reference to relevant legal instruments and academic commentary
5. Design an international human rights law model instrument and provide a critical justification of the included provisions



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture242 hour lecture. Class discussion expected
Independent learning226Research, Reading, Completing Assignment, Exam Preparation
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Historical Development of IHL.
The origins of international human rights discourse from historical, philosophical and legal perspectives..

Conventional and other sources of IHRL.
How is international human rights law created?.

Customary Law and Jus Cogens.
How can States make law informally?.

UN Charter Provisions on HR.
The place of human rights in the Charter.

UN HR Charter Bodies.
General Assembly, Security Council, International Court of Justice etc.

UN HR Treaties.
How effective are UN human rights treaties?.

UN HR Treaty Bodies.
CAT, CEDAW, Human Rights Committee etc.

Women's Rights, CEDAW, Comfort Women, FGM.
Do women get adequate protection under international human rights law?.

Rights of the Child, CRC, Child Soldiers.
Do children get adequate protection under international hum an rights law?.

Rights of Minorities, Definition of 'minority', protection of minorities under UN and regional human rights law.
What is the place of minorities in international human rights law?.

Regional Human Rights Systems - CoE, Inter-American, African, Arab.
How are human rights principles and norms understood and implemented in the regions?.

Violations of IHRL - Judicial and quasi-judicial options, truth and reconciliations commissions, amnesties.
Can victims of human rights violations get justice?.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Essayn/a50%n/a
Projectn/a50%n/a
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List
  • Smith, R: 2007, Textbook on Human Rights, 3rd, OUP, Oxford,
  • Alston, P., Steiner, H. & Goodman, R.: 0, International Human Rights in Context, OUP, Oxford,
  • Clapham, A.: 2006, Human Rights Obligations of Non-State Actors, OUP, Oxford,
  • Baderin, M.: 2005, International Human Rights and Islamic law, OUP, Oxford,
  • Baderin, M. & McCorquodale, R.: 2007, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Action, OUP, Oxford,
  • Brownlie, I., & Goodwin-Gill, G.: 2006, Basic Documents on Human Rights, 5th, OUP, Oxford,
  • Forsythe, D.: 2006, Human Rights in International Relations,, CUP, Cambridge,
  • Nickel, J.: 2007, Making Sense of Human Rights, Blackwell, MA,
Other Resources
455, Moodle, 0, Class Notes and Other Relevant Resources are available on the Moodle page for the Module,
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
MIRMA in International Relations
Timetable this semester: Timetable for LG523A
Date of Last Revision25-JAN-12
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