The Human Rights course seeks to provide students with a thorough understanding of international human rights law and practice. We will trace the historical and conceptual evolution of human rights norms, considering civil and political and economic and social rights and will discuss both universal as well as regional developments. By detailed consideration of real cases, we will analyse key rights and enquire into current challenges to their protection arising in diverse contexts – from the home to the fight against international terrorism. The international human rights infrastructure and mechanisms of enforcement will be discussed, including the role and impact of litigation in rights protection. The interrelationship between human rights and other areas of international law and practice covered in the course, notably IHL and ICL, will also be explored. The course is intended to combine in-depth analysis of the scope and nature of rights with an emphasis on the practical application of the law and challenges arising.
Course Objectives
The course seeks to lay the ground work for the discussion of the various topics in the course - contextualising by reference to the development of IHRL and the system of rights protection, while asking students to reflect on the role and relevance of IHRL in the world today.
Achievement levels
Students will learn how to understand the relationship between the protection of human rights and security in law and practice, to consider the sources of IHRL and the evolving international landscape of responsibility for human rights violations. They will learn how human rights litigation works on the international level, how to understand the relationship between the protection of human rights and security in law and practice, and how to identify to what extent does the human rights framework adjust to and accommodate security concerns.
Mode of Instruction
This 5 ECTS course is delivered in person and consists of seven two-hour lectures and four two-hour Discussion Forum sessions.
Assessment Method(s)
The course includes two types of assessment: The first one is the video assignment. Students are asked to prepare and record a short (max 5-6 minute) video on a specific case of their choice. This may be a human rights case that comes from their own countries, region or experience, but it need not be. Ideally students should work in small groups of 3-4. Other students are encouraged to comment/ask questions via discussion board; please comment on at least 3 videos of their fellow students. The second assessment is a 3-hour written exam.
Reading List
Bantekas & Oette, International human rights law and practice
Other reading materials are indicated in the course syllabus. Most are linked directly to an online source. Where a link is not given, the piece may be found by searching the Leiden University library online catalogue.
Brightspace
Additional reading will be indicated in the course reader and in the electronic learning environment, Brightspace.
Disclaimer
Should there be any future extenuating circumstances which may impinge our teaching and assessment, these could necessitate modification of the course descriptions after 1 September. This will only happen in the event of strict necessity and the interests of the students will be taken into account. Should there be a need for any change during the course, this will be informed to all students on a timely basis. Modifications after 1 September 2024 may only be done with the approval and consent of the Faculty Board and Programme Director.