F1HH 4100 - Introduction to International Human Rights Law and Humanitarian Principles

This course is a general introduction to international human rights law (and practice). It is complementary to a course delivered in the second term on Actors, Sectors and Mechanisms, which puts the focus on the institutional and procedural dimensions. The metaphor is that of a tasting menu in a restaurant, where a series of small plates is offered, but where there is no attempt to present everything that might be served or offered. Of course, questions and comments on other fundamental rights issues not specifically addressed in the classes are most welcome. It may also be necessary to respond to developments in the field that may take place in the course of the 12 lectures.

The introductory course focuses on themes and issues. It makes no pretence of providing a comprehensive overview of international human rights. For example, in the area of fundamental rights governing bodily integrity, the course devotes a session to the right to life and capital punishment. It does not, on the other hand, provide similar special treatment for the prohibition of torture and ill treatment. With respect to the ‘fundamental freedoms', it offers detailed examination of freedom of expression but does not attempt the same sort of treatment of freedom of religion or freedom of association. In the area of economic, social and cultural rights, the focus is on the right to education, leaving aside other such rights, such as the right to work and the right to medical care.

Its objective is to deliver a general introduction to the issues while at the same time highlighting the methodology and the sources. In this way, students are expected to learn how to apply the methodology to other rights, notable those that are not studied in any depth.

LEARNING OUTCOMES AND SKILLS

Learning Outcomes

1. Familiarity with sources of international human rights law in United Nations and regional systems.
2. General familiarity with public international law in cognate areas, notably international humanitarian law and international criminal law.
3. Appreciation of major controversies in international human rights law.


Professional Skills:

Ability to conduct basic research on human rights law using sources of international human rights law.

William SCHABAS,Elodie ANDRAULT,Sylvain AUBRY,Katharina RALL

Cours magistral seul

English

- In Class Presence: 24 hours a semester
- Reading and Preparation for Class: 96 hours a semester
- Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 36 hours a semester

As this is a mandatory course, there is no prerequisite. Students with no background in public international law are encouraged to familiarize themselves with some of its basic notions. There are many introductory textbooks in the field of public international law to choose from. A good beginning might be Vaughan Lowe, International Law: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015, which can be purchased on-line for less than €10.

Autumn 2025-2026

There will be two assessments.

The first will involve research on the issue of abortion from the standpoint of international law sources and the production of a Wikipedia entry on that right. The Wikipedia entry should consist of no more than 1,000 words (the total includes any references). To this should be added a short bibliography consisting of no more than four primary sources and no more than four secondary sources;
Deadline: 25 October 2024 at 1700 Paris time. Results of the assignment will be delivered to each student during the week following the mid-term study week.

The second assessment will be a take-home exam consisting of three questions from which students are to choose two. The answer to each of the two questions should not exceed 500 words. The take-home examination will be circulated after the final class on a date to be agreed. Students will have thirty-six hours in which to return the examination answers although it is expected that they need only devote two or three hours to completion of the examination.

Each of the two assessments will contribute 50% to the final grade for the course.

Feedback will be provided to students on the Wikipedia assignment in the form of comments.