S. International Human Rights Advocacy

This seminar considers major issues in contemporary international human rights from the perspective of the advocate. The initial seminar sessions will familiarize participants with key human rights standards and their implementation and enforcement through international, regional, and national institutions. The class will then evaluate existing and developing human rights advocacy methodologies. The remainder of the course will consider the effectiveness of human rights advocacy strategies and methodologies in specific contexts through case studies. Over the course of the semester, we will critically examine the role of governments, institutions, and non-governmental organizations in advocating, upholding, or failing to uphold international human rights standards. The topics covered in this seminar are intended to be wide-ranging and include the challenges and opportunities presented to human rights advocates by: developments in national security and counterterrorism laws and policies; the intersection of international human rights and humanitarian law; and the development of new “norms.” We will have human rights activists and others working in the field as guests.

While this seminar is part of the Upperclass Curriculum, there are no course prerequisites. This is not a course solely for human rights lawyers and advocates or even only for law students and LLMs. In prior years, students from a variety of educational, professional and regional backgrounds have participated in the seminar, including experienced human rights advocates and lawyers, graduate students in international affairs and business, journalists and diplomats. This diversity of perspectives has facilitated lively and productive discussion. A seminar paper is required, as is a detailed seminar paper outline and oral presentation for collaborative feedback. Oral presentations on assigned topics also may be required.