LAW42130 United Nations Human Rights Practice

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module aims to train students to engage in a practical way with the procedures of United Nations human rights bodies frequently used by lawyers, civil society actors and national human rights institutions as advocacy tools. The module will consist of of a critical exploration of the UN’s international human rights architecture, focusing on the practice and procedure of the human rights treaty bodies, special rapporteurs and the Human Rights Council. Students will also critically reflect on key challenges facing those systems in securing effective protection of human rights. This module will deploy active learning methods whereby students will develop their knowledge by working on practical activities related to the UN human rights procedures.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

(i) Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the normative evolution and substance of the UN international human rights framework;

(ii) Critically engage with the practice and procedure of the core UN human rights institutions i.e. the UN human rights treaty bodies as well as the system of special rapporteurs and universal periodic review of the UN Human Rights Council.

(iii) Have a good understanding of the interpenetration and interaction between the international human rights system and domestic human rights law and institutions;

(iv) Critically evaluate the operation and effectiveness of UN human rights procedures as legal and policy tools.

(iv) Be able to demonstrate inter-personal skills and competence in teamwork and interpersonal communication.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

180
Total

204
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is an experiential learning module in that it aims for students to discover the potential as well as the limitations of the UN human rights system for addressing human rights issues on the ground. It will take a constructivist pedagogical approach whereby students will be encouraged to learn by means of in-class activities; reflective learning; and task-based learning. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Students will work individually to produce a practical resource/report relevant to the UN human rights procedural framework. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

40
Journal: Individual, self-reflection by learning journal. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

60

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.