This course introduces students of anthropology and development to the law, politics and ethics of human rights in both peace and war. The course has eight sections, each of which will be generally be covered in one morning.  The first section introduces students to the concept of universality (the idea that human rights are the same everywhere for all people), and critiques such as cultural relativism.  The second section ensures that students are familiar with the architecture of the human rights system, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and treaty bodies such as the Human Rights Committee.  The third section looks at particular rights, grouping them into the three traditional categories of civil and political rights; economic, social and cultural rights; and group rights, with a focus on the right to development.  Section four looks at regional human rights systems, with a focus on ASEAN.  The fifth and sixth sections introduce students to international humanitarian law (the human rights law applicable during armed conflict), the operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the relationship between military intervention for humanitarian reasons and humanitarian aid or assistance.  Section seven introduces students to international refugee law.  The course concludes with a look at the role of national legislation in protecting human rights, comparing the South African constitutional bill of rights with the debate about a bill of rights for Australia.

At the end of this course, students will: 

1. understand the concept of universality of human rights and be able to critique and defend it;
2. understand how international human rights law is made and monitored, and to assess the United Nations human rights system’s strengths and weaknesses;
3. appreciate the differences, tensions and fundamental linkages between the traditional categories of rights – civil and political; economic, social and cultural; and group rights, particularly the right to development;
4. have a basic knowledge of the particular bodies of human rights law applicable in times of armed conflict and to refugees, and their relationship with development issues;
5. understand the role of national legislation in protecting human rights;
6. be able to marshal an argument concerning human rights that is relevant to issues of development.

Two ‘rapid reaction’ papers (1000 words, orally presented as well as submitted in writing, 20% each)[LO 1-5]; Class participation (10%)[LO 1-6]; Research essay (4000 words, 50%) [LO 1-6].

Eight half days (9 am to 1 pm).  Workload is 28 hours class work, 42 hours reading for class, 50 hours independent research and writing.

No prerequisites are required. 

No prior knowledge of the subject is assumed.

Materials prepared by instructor.