Current Issues in Human Rights and Global Justice - IAF 665

The first part of this course focuses on the dramatic changes in the creation and enforcement of international human rights law that have taken place since World War II. Notwithstanding serious challenges from a variety of sources, no government in the world publicly dissents from the acceptance of support for human rights. Students will examine the existing international human rights regime and explore the impact of the UN charter, the Universal Declaration, and various multilateral and regional human rights treaties and regimes on the behavior of nations today. Using cases from the ME, Europe, US, and international courts, the course will the focus on ethical issues in human rights. Topics will include political repression, informed consent, and human rights. Law can be used to promote human rights.