Dr Chaloka Beyani

This is an optional course for LLB Parts I and II, BA Anthropology and Law, and BSc International Relations students. Available to General Course students. Not available as an outside option. Numbers of those admitted will be restricted.

Students need to have already taken and done well in a course in Public International Law or in Civil Liberties Law.

Comprehensive study of the expanding international law of human rights and protection mechanisms, both at a universal and regional level.

The course is divided in two parts. The first part deals with conceptual issues, namely: definitions of human rights, including theories of human rights and universality and relativism; the role of international law in the protection of human rights; the system of international protection of human rights; the role of non-discrimination, human rights as absolute or qualified rights; minorities and indigenous groups; the prohibition of genocide; human rights and national security; human rights and humanitarian law; social and cultural rights; and globalization and human rights. The second part is devoted to a study of specific rights, drawing largely upon the case law of the European Convention, the American Convention and the African Charter as well as the UN Covenants. Among the rights examined through the case law are the right to life; fair trial; prohibition of torture, inhuman and degrading treatment; privacy and family life; and the fundamental freedoms.

This course is taught by one hour weekly lecture (LL242) 10 in MT, nine in LT; and tutorial classes (Group A, Group B, and Group C); supplemented by writing requirements and consultation on these.

A detailed reading list is provided.

A three hour formal examination in the ST, based on the syllabus in the MT and LT. There are usually 10 questions, of which four are to be answered. The paper comprises both essay and problem questions.