ILP: International Human Rights Law

3 credits · Professional

The course provides an introduction to the international law of human rights and to the more specialized protections applicable to refugees, as well as the interrelationship between these bodies of law. The aim of the course is to provide the students with a coherent framework for understanding the instruments and mechanisms through which international law protects the fundamental rights of every human being as well as those of particularly vulnerable groups, such as refugees. In discussing the various facets of the international human rights and refugee protection regimes, emphasis will be given to their conceptual foundations, their enforcement at the international, regional and domestic level, as well as their practical implications and current challenges. Specific attention will be given to the institutional features of the human rights regime, including at the regional level (Organization of American States), the reception of international human rights law into the Canadian legal system, and the relationship of human rights and refugee law to related areas, such as humanitarian law and international criminal law. CALENDAR NOTES: This course is part of the Public International Law stream in the Queen’s/Dalhousie International Law Program (ILP), which takes place in Europe in May and June. The ILP combines an 8-week intensive academic program in international law with field study visits to law firms, international organizations, and international courts. Dalhousie students earn nine credits for successfully completing the program, which can be counted towards 2L or 3L credit requirements. ILP courses do not count as major paper courses, nor do they count towards Certificate requirements. Grades earned through the ILP will not be included in a Dalhousie student’s overall weighted average for any purpose, including eligibility for scholarships or supplemental exams. Applications are usually due near the end of the Fall term, although late applications can sometimes be accepted. Tuition and fees are paid to Queen’s University. There is an ILP information session held in the fall term at the Schulich School of Law each year. Students wishing to participate in this program must schedule an academic advising appointment with the office of the Associate Dean (Academic). Further details about the program can be found on the International Law Program website: https://law.queensu.ca/programs/jd/international-learning/bisc.