1. Critically evaluate¿the foundational principles and instruments of international human rights law, and assess their effectiveness in addressing global issues of inequality, discrimination, and marginalisation from a social justice perspective

Analysis; Knowledge and Understanding

2. Analyse¿the role of international human rights bodies, non-governmental organisations, and civil society in promoting and protecting human rights, and evaluate their impact on advancing social justice across different regions and vulnerable communities

Analysis

3. Examine¿the intersection between human rights and social justice and propose solutions for promoting equitable and sustainable development.

Enquiry; Problem Solving

4. Reflect¿on the challenges and limitations of international human rights mechanisms, and critically assess the ways in which these challenges can be addressed to promote a more just and equitable global society

Reflection; Communication; Analysis; Knowledge and Understanding

Poster Presentation (Oral) – Assessing Outcomes 1-4



Visual element (up to 1000 words) - Assessing Outcomes 1-4

Through the¿Poster Presentation, students will demonstrate their ability to distil complex legal and social justice concepts into clear, impactful visual formats while linking these ideas to real-world examples and solutions. This assessment encourages creative engagement with the learning outcomes and enhances students’ ability to communicate critical human rights issues effectively.

This module critically explores the relationship between international human rights law and social justice, examining how legal frameworks address global issues such as inequality, discrimination, and marginalisation. The content is structured to engage students with the foundational principles of human rights, key legal instruments, the role of institutions, and contemporary challenges in advancing social justice globally.



Foundational Principles of International Human Rights Law

Key International Human Rights Instruments and Their Effectiveness

Global Issues of Inequality, Discrimination, and Marginalisation

Role of International Human Rights Bodies, NGOs, and Civil Society

International and Regional Human Rights Mechanisms

Human Rights and Sustainable Development

Challenges and Critiques of International Human Rights Law

Case Studies on Human Rights and Social Justice

Future Directions for International Human Rights and Social Justice



This indicative content provides students with a solid theoretical foundation while integrating real-world case studies and contemporary issues, promoting a critical understanding of how international human rights law intersects with social justice. The content encourages students to engage with both legal analysis and practical solutions for advancing human rights in today’s global society.

Are you passionate about defending human rights and tackling global inequalities? The¿International Human Rights and Social Justice¿module offers an in-depth exploration of the legal and social frameworks that shape the fight for equality, dignity, and justice worldwide. This module is perfect for students interested in understanding how international human rights law addresses pressing issues such as gender inequality, forced migration, racial discrimination, and economic injustice. Through critical analysis of key international treaties and institutions, as well as real-world case studies, you will examine the role of international bodies, NGOs, and civil society in advancing human rights and promoting social justice. You will explore the intersections of law and justice, reflecting on the effectiveness of current human rights mechanisms and proposing solutions to overcome the barriers to achieving global equity. Ideal for those seeking careers in international law, human rights advocacy, NGOs, or global policy-making, this module equips you with the knowledge and skills to engage with the most critical human rights challenges of our time.

The learning strategy for this module is designed to engage students in a comprehensive exploration of both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of human rights law and social justice, with a total of 200 hours dedicated to achieving the module’s learning outcomes. This strategy integrates 39 hours of direct contact with a tutor, complemented by 161 hours of independent and guided study. Students will be expected to allocate 6-8 hours per week for reading, preparation, and consolidation of learning. Prior to each seminar, students will be required to complete assigned reading and prepare for in-class discussions and debates.



Lectures will introduce key concepts, principles, and instruments of international human rights law, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). They will also cover critical social justice issues like gender inequality, forced migration, and racial discrimination. Real-world case studies (e.g., gender-based violence, climate justice) will be integrated into the lectures to demonstrate the application of legal principles in practice.


Seminars will provide a deeper exploration of complex issues such as the effectiveness of human rights institutions, the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the impact of human rights law on social justice movements. Students will engage in debates, group discussions, and problem-solving exercises based on case studies (e.g., refugee rights, Indigenous land claims). These sessions will be highly interactive and problem-based, encouraging critical engagement and the application of theory to real-world challenges.



The module emphasises¿problem-based learning¿to promote the application of knowledge to real-life human rights and social justice challenges. Students will participate in a variety of active learning activities, including:



Group Discussions: Working in teams, students will critically analyse issues such as the intersection of human rights and climate change or the effectiveness of international human rights bodies in advancing gender justice. This collaborative approach encourages the exchange of ideas and fosters a deeper understanding of complex legal and social issues.

Oral and Written Submissions: Students will present and defend legal positions on issues such as the role of civil society in promoting human rights or the challenges of enforcing international human rights law. These submissions will enhance students' ability to articulate and defend reasoned legal arguments, a key skill in both academic and professional settings.



The¿Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)¿will provide detailed guidance on essential and recommended readings. Key international treaties, case law, academic journal articles, and legal commentaries will be made available to guide independent study. Lecture slides, additional case studies, and seminar questions will be provided in advance to ensure that students are fully prepared for each session. Students will also have access to video materials, reports from international bodies (e.g., UNHCR, Amnesty International), and online forums for further engagement and discussion.

Primary Texts



United Nations (1948).¿Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

United Nations (1966).¿International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

United Nations (1966).¿International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).



Suggested Textbooks:



Bisset, A. Blackstone's International Human Rights Documents (OUP 2023)

Goodheart, M. Human Rights Theory and Practice (OUP 2022)

Mapp, S. Human Rights and Social Justice in a Global Perspective (OUP 2020)

Moeckli, D., Shah, S., & Sivakumaran, S. International Human Rights Law¿(4th edn, OUP 2022)

Smith, R. International Human Rights Law (10th edn, OUP 2021)


Journals and Reports:

Human Rights Quarterly

The International Journal of Human Rights

Social Justice Journal

Reports from international bodies such as the UNHCR, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.

Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources via the library databases, such as: Westlaw; Lexis-Nexis; Practical Law Online; Law Trove; E-books and Journals
Computing facilities to access material available via Blackboard and the web.