JUR405 International Human Rights Law and Institutions

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master's Programme in Law

Teaching language

English

Course contents

As a result of globalisation and international interdependence, international law is changing. Whereas in the past, this law was limited to relations between states, in recent years, organisations, peoples, business and individuals have also become part of the realm of international law. Who is entitled to intervene in situations of mass violations of human rights? Which means are allowed to combat international terrorism? Can the international community develop governance mechanisms, including law, to deal with problems such as global climate change? 

The aim of the course is to provide an advanced introduction to the global and regional human rights institutions and organs and to present some of the main current challenges within this field of law.  

International Human Rights law lays down obligations which the ratifying states are bound to respect. The first part of the course thus also presents the institutions and procedures required to monitor the promotion, implementation and protection of internationally guaranteed rights, in a critical perspective.  

As the body of international human rights law continues to grow and evolve, the second part of the course acknowledges the growing phenomenon of group rights and focuses on selected collective rights such as the right to self-determination, indigenous peoples’ and minority rights, as well as on the issue of sustainable development and human rights (e.g., environmental rights).

By its nature and content, this course contributes to achieving many of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, but more specifically nr. 4 (Quality Education), nr. 13 (Climate Action) and nr. 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, students should be able to: 

• demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the institutions, procedures and mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights at the universal and regional levels

• recognise the similarities and differences between the major institutions and procedures within the field of human rights, as well as the function and the effects of central rules and principles

• describe and evaluate the performance of the international processes and mechanisms towards human rights compliance, informed by the practice of international courts and other organs

• contribute to theoretical and practical discussions surrounding the protection and the limitation of human rights and civil liberties

• independently outline and elaborate on the debate around the sources of International Human Rights Law, their practice and specificities

• have a deeper understanding of the content of selected rights contained in the main international human rights conventions

• apply relevant sources of law, inter alia practice and/or case-law from universal and regional judicial and quasi-judicial institutions, when assessing concrete legal issues  

• apply comprehensive knowledge in the field of International Human Rights Law to advise both private and public actors in their international activities

Examination requirements

A compulsory written assignment must be approved before you can sit for the exam. 

Further information will be posted in Canvas at the start of the semester

Teaching methods

The course will consist of plenary lectures as well as seminars. In the seminars, the students will deal with specific theoretical and practical problems designed to deepen their understanding of the course topics. The assignments will encourage the students to independent analysis of and reflection upon core topics, thus providing them with a solid foundation for assessment and critique of specific legal rules.  

A compulsory written assignment is also included.

Students must use Canvas, which is the university’s learning support system. The course has an expected scope of work of around 202 hours. 

Evaluation

The person responsible for the course decides in consultation with the student representative the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas. 

Admission for external candidates

No

Offered as Single Standing Module

Yes, if there are places available

Admission Requirement if given as Single Standing Module

Same as for admission to the master’s programme in law.

Assessment methods and criteria

4 hour written examination. Grading by letters.