UNITED NATIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS 

Course: United Nations and Human Rights (5 credits)
Credits: 5 ECTS
Time: 10 October-16 December, 2011
Coordinating University: Åbo Akademi University, Department of Law/Institute for Human Rights in cooperation with the Open University.
Instructors: Viljam Engström, Catarina Krause
Coordination: Rebecca Karlsson, Coordinator for Human Rights Studies,
Institute for Human Rights
Teaching language: English
Registration Deadline: 16 September 2011. Participants are selected based on applications (max. 30 participants).
Please register through the following link: http://www.abo.fi/fc/anmalningsdb

Course content: The course will address the role of human rights within
the UN system through focusing on the mandates of selected UN bodies, that is, the Security Council, the International Court of Justice, the Human Rights Council and the Human Rights Committee. Emphasis will be put on the various mechanisms attached to these bodies and their concrete applicability in a crisis situation where human rights are threatened.

Prerequisites: Previous studies in human rights, international law or international relations.

Learning methods: The course is built on problem-based learning methods, that is, the participants are expected to solve case studies based on given readings and inter-based material such as UN documents,
international treaties, research reports and articles.

Learning outcomes: The participants are expected after successful completion of the course to be able to evaluate the role and mandate of various UN bodies in the international protection of human rights, to understand the difference between character-based and treaty-based human
rights mechanisms, and the review the applicability of available
monitoring mechanisms in a concrete situation.

Study material: Provided during the course.

Assessment: The final grade (0-5) will be calculated based on the grading of the various course modules on a scale from 0-10. For more information please contact: rebecca.karlsson@abo.fi