International Systems of Human Rights Protection

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International Systems of Human Rights Protection

• Sarah Shirazyan
• sarah_shirazian_at_yahoo.com
• Yerevan State University
• Department of Law
• European and International Law Chair
• April 11, 2008

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Course Objective What am I aiming at????

• TO Address the evolution of IHR Law and of the
  legal instruments for their protection and
  promotion
• TO introduce basic HR protection philosophy- with
  a specific emphasis on regional and universal
  mechanisms
• TO analyze critical issues of global order and
  governance as regards to HR protection
• TO address current topics and trends in
  International Protection of HR examine and
  assess the inter-play of law and policy

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STUDENTS SHOULD

• Problem Based Learning?
• From Lecture-Based activities towards more
  student based activities- including, but not
  limited to
• CASE STUDIES
• MINI CASES-PROBLEMSDISCUSSIONS
• PRESENTATIONSSTIMULATION EXERCISESINDIVIDUAL
  AND INTEREST BASED RESEARCH

• Be able to identify the key issues of
  International Human Rights movement,
• compare and contrast different approaches of HR
  protection, critically assess and analyze various
  international and regional systems established
  for fostering HR, as well as
• recognize the role of international institutions
  and instruments for guaranteeing HR enforcement.
  

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Why use case studies in teaching Law

• The discipline of social sciences is ideal for
  using case study teaching because of the wealth
  of practical, real life examples
• It allows the application of theoretical concepts
  to be demonstrated-bridging the gap between
  theory and practice
• Ways in which to develop key skills
• Make the topic enjoyable

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Main Topics Covered by the Course

• Background to International Human Rights Movement
  
• Normative Foundation of International Human
  Rights Universalism versus Cultural Relativism
• The United Nations Human Rights System
• The United Nations Charter-Based Institutions

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Main Topics Covered by the Course 2

• The United Nations Treaty-Based Human Rights
  Protection Mechanisms
• The European Convention System (General)
• The European Convention on Human Rights and its
  Enforcement Mechanism
• European Union and Human Rights, its external
  and internal dimension
• The Human Rights and International Humanitarian
  Law
• Criminal Responsibility for Violations of Human
  Rights

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Main Topics Covered by the Course Current topics

• Human Rights and Humanitarian Intervention
• National Security, Terrorism and Human Rights
• Non-state Actors and Human Rights
• The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in the
  protection and promotion of Human Rights
• Individual Presentations or Written Research
  Papers on Selected HR topics

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Using Innovative Teaching

• mini case vs. maxi case
• in-class vs. outside-of-class work
• Interest based research paper or a presentation

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The Role of Case studies in Law gaining key
skills

• Group working
• Individual study skills
• Information gathering and analysis
• Time management
• Presentation skills
• Practical Skills

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Shortcomings

• Lack of literature in native language
• Absence of a comprehensive textbook in Armenian
• Students unwillingness to carry a research due
  to the different system that they are used to

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Mode of Assessment

• The course is a seminar-type lecture and the
  students will know the topic of upcoming
  seminar-lecture and are expected to do reading
  beforehand to ENSURE their participation in class
  discussions. Thus, the 50 percent of the grade is
  assessed through student\s class contribution and
  participation in the class discussions.
• The remaining 50 percent is assessed through
  individual presentation or a written research
  paper on a selected HR topic, as well as through
  their answer during the final oral exam.

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Thanks for your Attention