Introduction to international human rights

This unit offers you an introduction to the theory and practice of international human rights. You will examine international human rights conventions and processes, along with legal, political and philosophical perspectives on human rights disputes. Theoretical questions we will consider include: what are human rights, and why do they matter? Who is responsible for upholding human rights? Are human rights truly universal? You will explore these questions in relation to some of the most pressing human rights issues of international politics, such as global poverty, refugees, and state-sanctioned torture.