International human rights law is an exciting and ever-evolving area of international law. Human rights are claimed to be universal, applicable to everyone no matter their status or where they are from. But what are human rights, and do they in fact apply to everyone?

On this ExpertTrack from the University of Kent, you’ll examine whether human rights law is a truly universal body designed to protect all human beings irrespective of their origins or status.

Delve into the history and structure of human rights law

Throughout the first course, you’ll examine the nature of international human rights law. You’ll explore what constitutes international human rights law and how it evolved, questioning its claimed universality and exploring the legal modes for protection of human rights at the level of the United Nations.

Uncover how current human rights law affects marginalised people

The second course asks how well this body of law serves the marginalised.

You’ll look at how the claims of universality are challenged when confronted by claims made by women, by the world’s poor, by refugees and asylum seekers, and by undocumented migrants.

Develop plans and strategies to enhance the protection of human rights

On the third and final course, you’ll examine how universality claims are challenged by particular ways of life, specifically indigenous peoples and people of faith. You’ll look at the impact of the pandemic on human rights and, more generally, what can be done in the future to improve human rights protection.

During the last week, you’ll devise plans and strategies of your own, drawing from the materials throughout this ExpertTrack and your own professional experience, to develop ideas of how you might promote human rights protection.

Learn from the experts at the University of Kent

Kent Law School is one of the UK’s leading law schools, offering a distinctive critical approach to their syllabuses, ultimately placing law within the wider context of society.

With a recognised excellence in teaching, world-class research, and an award-winning law clinic, they offer an intellectually stimulating environment in which to study law, including international human rights law.

Throughout the duration of this ExpertTrack, you’ll look beneath the surface of the law and study its complexity and contradictions. This enhances what is already a fascinating subject, international human rights law, and means you’ll finish with a deeper understanding and a wealth of new skills.