Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the European & International systems for the protection of human rights. The module will examine the European human rights architecture in a comparative perspective, considering the challenges that arise from the overlap between national, European Union (EU) and European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) norms. It will focus on a number of specific examples, including the right to privacy, the right to due process, the right to vote, the right to strike and the right to abortion. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Understand the architecture for the protection of fundamental rights in Europe in a global perspective, also with reference to other human rights regimes 2. Identify the core challenges that arise from the overlap between national, EU, and ECHR norms in the field of human rights 3. Evaluate the practical functioning of the European and international human rights system through the analysis of case studies. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Session 1: Introduction Historical Development of IHL The origins of international human rights discourse from historical, philosophical and legal perspectives. Session 2: The Right to Privacy Conventional and other sources of IHRL How is international human rights law created? Session 3: Challenges: Brexit Customary Law and Jus Cogens How can States make law informally? Session 4: Challenges: Rule of Law Crisis UN Charter Provisions on HR The place of human rights in the Charter Session 5: Human Rights: EU and ECHR UN HR Charter Bodies General Assembly, Security Council, International Court of Justice etc Session 6: Human Rights: EU and National Constitutions UN HR Treaties How effective are UN human rights treaties? Session 7: The Right to Due Process UN HR Treaty Bodies CAT, CEDAW, Human Rights Committee etc Session 8: The Right to Vote Women's Rights, CEDAW, Comfort Women, FGM Do women get adequate protection under international human rights law? Session 9: The Right to Strike Rights of the Child, CRC, Child Soldiers Do children get adequate protection under international hum an rights law? Session 10: The Right to Abortion Rights of Minorities, Definition of 'minority', protection of minorities under UN and regional human rights law What is the place of minorities in international human rights law? Session 11: Conclusion Regional Human Rights Systems - CoE, Inter-American, African, Arab How are human rights principles and norms understood and implemented in the regions? Violations of IHRL - Judicial and quasi-judicial options, truth and reconciliations commissions, amnesties Can victims of human rights violations get justice? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
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Other Resources
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