Global Health, Human Rights & Justice

(1 Credit Hour) · Undergraduate

In an increasingly globalized world, where disease outbreaks cross borders and seas, there is a need for today's global health experts to have an understanding of international law, human rights and gender in global health. Health crises such as Ebola, HIV/AIDS and cholera have demonstrated the increasing interaction between the law and global health, and the need to ensure that the rights of individuals are not violated on the basis of public health concerns. The course is designed to allow students to gain a basic understanding of how law, human rights and gender interact with global health. It will look at select case studies where students will assess the legal, gender and human rights impacts of disease outbreaks and containment. Students will gain a wider perspective on global health issues as they relate to gender, human rights and law, and be equipped to view health issues through a legal and rights based lens. Through this course students will: (1) Gain a basic understanding of international human rights principles governing global health, and how these are used in global settings such as the UN to protect and promote the right to health. (2) Review select cases that demonstrate how regional courts uphold the right to health of communities and individuals. (3) Discuss HIV criminalization in the USA and global context. (4) A discussion of global health crises and their impact on the human rights of those affected.