Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

The module is divided into two main parts. The first one focus on international law and the second one on the international protection of human rights.
The first introductory seminar introduces the concepts of international law and human rights, including their relationship with international politics and other relevant disciplines to understand the context and problems of contemporary international law, mainly in relation to human rights protection.
Part 1 on international law is divided into three sections. The first section deals with subjects and actors of international law. These include not only states, but also other important players in the international system, such as international organizations, trans-national organisations and organized groups. The second section focuses on the sources of the international legal system, looking in particular at treaties, customary law and other sources that define the legal obligations under international law. The third section addresses specific issues that may be relevant also for the study of other modules within the programme. Each of those three main issues is then divided into more detailed subsections, each of them focusing on specific themes, problems and sources.
Part 2 of the module provides an overview of the most relevant issues concerning the international protection of human rights. These include the international and universal approach to the definition and protection of human rights, and the implications for states, groups and individuals. The module focuses on the international law related to human rights, in particular the International Bill of Human Rights as part of the universal system of protection under the United Nations framework. The role of the United Nations and relevant regional organisations, such as European, American and African human rights institutions is discussed, as well as the main mechanisms available at international and regional level, such as international courts and other bodies. The role of non-governmental organisations and other national mechanisms is also considered. The final part of the module looks at some specific human rights issues that may be useful for other specialized topics on human rights and humanitarian law.

INTRODUCTION
1. International Law, Human Rights and the International Society: History, Philosophy and Relationship with International Politics and other Disciplines.

PART 1: INTERNATIONAL LAW
Section 1 ? Subjects of International Law
2. International Legal Personality I: States and the Notion of Statehood.
3. International Legal Personality II: International Organisations and the United Nations
4. International Legal Personality III; Individuals, Groups and Minorities as Subjects of International Law.
Section 2 - Sources of International Law
5. Sources I: The Law of Treaties
6. Sources II: Customary International Law and Soft Law
7. Sources III: General Principles, Jus Cogens, and Obligations Erga Omnes
Section 3: Specific Issues
8. International Law and Domestic Law
9. Jurisdiction and Immunities
10. International Responsibility
11. Settlement of International Disputes

PART 2: INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW
12. The International System for the Protection of Human Rights:
Sources of Law; Institutions; Procedures.
13. The UN System of Human Rights Protection
14. Regional Systems of Human Rights Protection: Europe
15. Regional Systems of Human Rights Protection: America and Africa
16. Nature of Human Rights Obligations
17. Non-State Actors and Human Rights
18. Equality and Non-Discrimination
19. Integrity of the Person
20. The Rights of Peoples and Minorities
21. Exceptions in International Human Rights Law
22. The Domestic Application of International Human Rights Instruments