Human RightsLaw
(20-273-0806/20-272-0806)
Course Objective:
The course provides an introduction to human rights philosophy, principles, instruments
and institutions. The course introduces the main United Nations Conventions and
legislations in India for protection of human rights. It also gives an overview
ofcontemporary challenges, current issues and debates in humanrights.
Learning Outcome:
On successful completion of this course, the student will be able:
To gain substantive knowledge of the international law and policy of
humanrights.
To develop analytical skills to appraise human rights policies and practices.
To analyze the contemporary challenges and trends in human rights theory and
practice.
Course Content:
Module I- Introduction
The concept of Human Right - Theoretical Basis of Human Rights- Theoretical Foundation of
Human Rights - Natural Law and Natural Rights- Origin and development- Ancient -
Medieval – 17th & 18thCentury, 19th & 20th Century – Modern Developments-
Generations of Human Rights - Civil and Political Rights -Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights.
Module II- International Human Rights Documents
U.D.H.R-ICCPR-ICESCR-Optional Protocols-Implementation, enforcement, remedies under
international human rights law- International Adjudication- Effectiveness of UN Human
Rights System.
Module III-Human Rights in India
Implementation of Human Rights in India-Limitations on and derogations from rights–
Protection of Human Right Act 1993-Powers of NHRC-Role of judiciary in enforcing Human
Rights- Role of NGOs and Human Rights activism in India.
Module IV-Human Rights of Vulnerable Groups
International Human Rights Law on Women’s Rights- Refugee Rights-Child Rights- Rights of
Differently Abled- Minority and Indigenous People Rights -Sexual Minorities- Legal Framework in
India.
Module V – Contemporary Challenges
Contemporary Challenges to Human Rights - Science and Technology-Digital freedom- Terrorism-
Business and Human Rights.
Reference
1. IliasBantekas and LotzOette, International Human Rights Law and Practice,
Cambridge,2013.
2. Kerry O'Halloran, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and International HumanRights
Law, Routledge, 2019
3. Perry and Roda, Human Rights and Digital Economy, Palgrave Macmillan,2017.
4. Gayatri H. Patel, Women and International Human Rights Law, Routledge,2019.
5. Jack Donnelly, Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice, Cornell University
Press,2013.
6. Philip Alston and Ryan Goodman, International Human Rights, Oxford,2012.
7. Christian Tomuschat, Human Rights: Between Idealism and Realism, Oxford,2003.
8. Alston,Phillip,TheUnitedNationsandHumanRights,ClarendonPress,London,1995.
9. Sutton, The Protection of Vulnerable Groups under International Human Rights Law,
Routledge,2017
10. Andrew Clapham, Human Rights Obligations of Non-State Actors, Oxford,2006.
11. Justice PalokBasu, Law Relating to Protection of Human Rights, Modern Law
Publications, 2002.
12. Sircar, V.K., Protection of Human Right in India, Asia Law House2004.
13. Dr K P Saksena, Human Rights and the Constitution ,Gyan Publishing House,2003.
