Texts and Materials on International Human Rights

International Human Rights, now more than ever, is at the forefront of global politics and encompasses a broad and diverse range of subjects, issues and geographical jurisdictions. This book takes a thematic approach to the subject by collecting material around concepts and frameworks rather than specific rights making it the ideal companion for most courses in International Human Rights.

Cases and material are clearly separated from the main body of the text so that extracted material is immediately recognizable. The surrounding text contextualizes each extract and explains the relevant issues, while questions throughout the book encourage students to analyse and debate the material they are reading. This book is ideal for students seeking to truly engage with and understand the key issues concerning the study of international human rights.

This second edition has been fully updated to take into account key developments since the publication of the previous edition in 2006 including the reform of the UN mechanisms. Each chapter now also includes expanded author commentary as well as more questions to encourage students to reflect and consider the broader issues and context of the law. New chapter summaries outline the content of each chapter and a detailed table of contents has been added, making it easier to locate specific topics within the text. Finally additional guidance is provided to help students to locate sources online and develop research skills within this expanding and exciting area of law.

Rhona K. M. Smith is Professor of International Human Rights Law at Northumbria University, and Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, and Visiting Professor in Human Rights at Peking University Law School, Beijing University.

Part I Sources of International Human Rights; Key Concepts: Universality, Interdependence and Categories of Rights; Positive obligations and Categories of Rights; Part II States and Treaty Obligations; The Organisational Structures and Key Institutions; Monitoring and Enforcing Human Rights : Extra-conventional mechanisms; Treaty Monitoring Bodies: Committees and Courts; National Institutions and International Human Rights; Extending the duties to protect and respect human rights (non-State actors); Reforming the human rights system; Part III Protecting Children; Detainees, prisoners and Convictees; Indigenous Peoples and their Rights; The Protection of Refugees, Stateless Persons and Internally Displaced People; Protecting and Promoting the Rights of Women; Part IV Challenges for International Human Rights Law.