LAW417

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS is an introduction to the law and institutional mechanisms for the international protection of human rights. It examines briefly the theory and the history of the field, together with key United Nations documents. International treaty and non-treaty mechanisms for protecting and promoting human rights, including regional systems and the role of non-governmental organizations, are covered. We will also address the use of international human rights standards in United States courts. Discussions will focus on specific contemporary human rights problems, which may include the rights of asylum seekers and other migrants, the role of corporate actors in human rights issues, and minority and indigenous peoples rights. The grade will be based on a series of individual and group exercises and a final exam. No prerequisites, although a background in international law would be most helpful.