Topic Outline
A dominant criticism of the present human rights regime is that it relies on the goodwill of states to enforce it - which isn't always the case. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was itself merely a declaration by states, and didn't carry the legal obligations of international conventions like treaties and covenants. Human rights instruments have since been developed at the international level to try to address this legal gap. Yet the codification, enforcement and monitoring of human rights laws remains the responsibility of states.
For many states, the protection and promotion of human rights is not always a primary political concern, and additionally, many states do not have the means to enforce and protect human rights. In these situations, how can other non-state actors fill this void to ensure that the rights of all humans are protected? How human rights are codified, protected and monitored - and which political actors are responsible for that thus remains hotly debated. This topic will examine these debates further by exploring the following statement of inquiry:
For many states, the protection and promotion of human rights is not always a primary political concern, and additionally, many states do not have the means to enforce and protect human rights. In these situations, how can other non-state actors fill this void to ensure that the rights of all humans are protected? How human rights are codified, protected and monitored - and which political actors are responsible for that thus remains hotly debated. This topic will examine these debates further by exploring the following statement of inquiry:
statement of inquiry
Human Rights are codified, protected and monitored by various institutions and systems in order to ensure justice for all
global context
Personal and Cultural Expression (Products, Systems, Institutions) - Students will explore the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.
key concept
Systems - Systems are sets of interacting or interdependent components. Systems provide structure and order in human, natural and built environments. Systems can be static or dynamic, simple or complex.
related global politics concept(s)
Justice - There are a number of different interpretations of the concept of justice. It is often closely associated with the idea of fairness and with individuals getting what they deserve, although what is meant by deserve is also contested. One avenue is to approach justice through the idea of rights, and what individuals can legitimately expect of one another or of their government. Some theorists also argue that equality not only in the institutions and procedures of a society but also in capabilities or well-being outcomes is required for justice to be realized.
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