International Law and Human Rights

RATIONALE
International law is primarily concerned with the relations among states and international institutions, while human rights govern the relationship between states and citizens. The subject matter of international law and human rights is therefore as wide-ranging as the nature of activities among states. This module examines the rules, principles and theories of international law with a focus on the international human rights regime. States operate in an international system that has formal institutions, all attended with rules and procedures. This module examines the law that governs international organisations such the United Nations and the role of international courts and tribunals in the interpretation of international treaties, again with a specific focus on international human rights. 

AIMS
This module aims to:
●    Examine the sources and principles of international law across a range of contexts.
●    Critically analyse the roles of different structures, agents, and actors in international law and international human rights.
●    Critically evaluate the application of legal principles in international law to human rights issues.
●    Evaluate the accountability mechanisms used in international human rights law.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the module students will be able to:
1.    Examine the sources and principles of international law. 
2.    Analyse the roles of different structures, agents, and actors in international law and international human rights. 
3.    Evaluate and apply legal principles in international law to human rights issues.
4.    Evaluate the use of accountability mechanisms in international human rights law.