This course is a comprehensive historical overview of the theory and practice of human rights, a term used to describe rights and entitlements that inherently belong to every human being. Although all human beings are entitled to these rights equally, history has shown that all people do not enjoy the same protection of their rights at all times. This course explores the different kinds of human rights, the various international and regional documents necessary to protect and enforce them, and the historical difficulties and conflicts that have occurred in spite of, and often because of, human rights. It includes extensive discussions on the development of the various human rights treaties and enforcement mechanisms, the special protection given to vulnerable groups, human rights during armed conflict, and current debates involving human rights, such as the use of technology either to promote or restrict human rights, and the increasing international significance of stateless actors like transnational corporations and terrorist groups. Fifteen lessons.
Course Author: Jessica C. Lawrence, J.D.
Number of pages: 356 [English]
Publisher: Peace Operations Training Institute [14-02-2012]
