Introduction To The International Human Rights Regime

Human rights are the only universally recognized system of contemporary values which, during the last 50 years, has been gradually developed and defined by all States in a comprehensive international legal framework. The international human rights regime is closely related to international peace and security, development and a global trend towards pluralist democracy, good governance and the rule of law. International humanitarian and criminal law can today be considered as specific aspects of international human rights law, which after the end of the Cold War has become increasingly complex and difficult to oversee. The present textbook attempts to provide a first and at the same time comprehensive introduction into the idea and significance of human rights, its philosophical and theoretical foundations, historical development, the main structures and procedures of international human rights protection by the United Nations and regional organizations (Council of Europe, Organization of American States, African Union, OSCE and others), and modern trends, such as preventive mechanisms, international criminal law, human rights as essential elements of peace-keeping and peace-building operations, humanitarian intervention or the relationship between human rights and terrorism. The book perceives human rights as an inter-disciplinary topic and illustrates the theory of human rights with a considerable number of practical case-studies, graphics, statistics, procedural charts and textboxes. It serves as a textbook for students of law, political science, international relations and other academic fields related to human rights, but may as well be used as a first introduction for those working in the field, for NGO activists, legal practitioners and others interested in the fascinating world of universal human rights.

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This book provides a precise concept of international human rights law, its development and the tangible meaning of civil and political rights, economic and social rights. It has highlighted women’s rights, globalization, human rights education, role of the UN and NGOs to protect human rights.

"Prior to China's entry into the United Nations (UN) in 1971, there was fierce debate about its anticipated behavior and impact. Proponents of Chinese membership argued that integration into the United Nations would ultimately change or "civilize" the People's Republic of China (PRC) while skeptics countered that the "...the UN is not going to serve as a reform school for Peking," and that China was likely to attempt to alter the international system. When Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leaders failed to challenge the existing global order and eventually adjusted their own priorities and goals to fit into it and even benefit from the prevailing international order, its behavior alleviated concerns of destructive behavior. Yet, the larger question of China's longer-term impact on and role in international regimes remains an open question. Even if the PRC has not acted as a spoiler of the international system, are there subtle yet significant ways that it has pursued change toward international regimes? This question become more pressing and salient with China's ascendance and rising weight in global politics, especially given indications that it is shedding its earlier status quo posture and shifting to a more assertive one. As scholar Elizabeth Economy noted, in a June 2018 speech PRC President Xi Jinping "put the world on notice: China has its own ideas about how the world should be run and is prepared, as he put it, to 'lead in the reform of global governance.'" Scholars have begun grappling with"--

David P. Forsythe presents a compelling introduction to international human rights in a political context. He stresses the difficulties of interjecting human rights into foreign policy and international politics, while recognising the considerable progress that has been made over time. Focusing on international organizations, states, corporations, and private advocacy groups, Forsythe addresses key themes including war, migration, climate change, and slavery.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to international human rights: international human rights law, why international human rights have increasingly risen to world prominence, what is being done about violations of human rights, and what might be done to further promote the cause of international human rights so that everyone may one day have their rights respected regardless of who they are or where they live. It explains: how the concept of international human rights has developed over time the variety of types of human rights empirical findings from statistical research on human rights a listing of all international human rights agreements the newest dimensions in the field of human rights (gay rights, animal rights, environmental rights). Richly illustrated throughout with case studies, controversies, court cases, think points, historical examples, biographical statements, and suggestions for further reading, International Human Rights is the ideal introduction for all students of human rights.

Now in its second edition, Dinah Shelton’s pioneering book provides a uniquely accessible introduction to the history and the latest developments in international human rights law. Exploring the origins, customs and institutions that have emerged globally and regionally in the last two centuries, this incisive book guides readers through the major treaties and declarations that form the foundations of the discipline today.