This course aims to provide students with a critical understanding of international human rights law and practice. Topics to be covered include:

• historical development of international human rights law;
• international humanitarian law (the law of armed conflict) and its relationship with the international law of human rights;
• human rights ‘enforcement' mechanisms: the UN Human Rights Council, the human rights treaty bodies and human rights regional mechanisms;
• the rights of women and the rights of indigenous peoples;
• threats to rights, particularly counter-terrorism measures;
• application of international human rights law in Australia, including refugee issues; and
• the future development of rights, including collective rights and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBT) rights. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Synthesise and critique the history, underlying principles, significant normative frameworks and the main international and regional institutional architectures, mechanisms and actors of the international human rights law system;
2. Critically analyse the assumptions behind these norms, and issues in their interpretation and operationalisation;
3. Critically evaluate and consolidate knowledge to develop solutions to complex contemporary international human rights law problems;
4. Develop effective, representative advocacy approaches and narratives in support of the progressive development of the international law of human rights.
5. Synthesise and communicate a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas about the international law of human rights to a variety of audiences.
6. Define, plan and conduct legal research on international human rights law with some independence.

Research-Led Teaching

This course draws directly on the convenor's experience in human rights over more than 20 years and in over 30 countries, as well as on the convenor's own research, including in relation to the book 'Human Rights and Populism' (Routledge 2024), and in relation to the field of business, human rights and corporate responsibility.

Required Resources

There is no prescribed textbook for this course. The course relies on selective readings in an effort to keep the volume down (an emphasis on concepts, not just content for its own sake): see Assessment Task #1. A list of recommended background source texts will be available on the Canvas site before Week 1.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).

Extensions, late submission and penalties: https://law.anu.edu.au/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Extenuating circumstances: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/extenuating-circumstances-application

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties

Distribution of grades policy: https://law.anu.edu.au/grading

Assessment Reviews and Appeals: https://law.anu.edu.au/assessment-review-and-appeals

Further information about the course is available from the course Canvas page. Students are required to access the Canvas site regularly throughout the course for any announcements relating to the course.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The ANU Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as providing clear guidance on the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.

The following resources may also be useful:

• The ANU Library's Libguide is a valuable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in academia.

• The ANU Academic Skills site provides useful information to ensure that you leverage AI responsibly and effectively.

• The ANU Law School Academic Integrity and Misconduct site provides content related to legal implications, ethical guidelines, and considerations when dealing with AI in the context of law.

Use of Generative AI Tools in Assessment

All work submitted for assessment at the ANU Law School must be your own independent and original work.

This means that generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools must not be used to draft assessment content, unless explicitly instructed by the course convenor. While limited use of AI tools to support learning may be permitted, for example, to assist with expression, structure, or the refinement of ideas, AI must not be used to generate primary text, legal analysis, or substantive content.

Inappropriate use of AI may constitute a breach of the Academic Integrity Rule 2021. For law students, academic integrity breaches may have serious professional consequences, as breaches must be disclosed to the relevant admissions authority.

Students are at university to develop critical skills in legal reasoning, analysis, and written communication. This requires active engagement with assessment tasks and the drafting and refinement of one’s own work. While AI tools may assist with polishing expression or organisation, they must not replace your reasoning, judgment, or authorship.

Used appropriately, AI can be a helpful tool for editing, planning, and limited refinement. However, AI should only be applied to small portions of text. Submitting work generated in large part by AI increases the risk of poor academic outcomes and academic integrity concerns.

Where AI or other assistive technologies are used, students must comply with all disclosure requirements that are available on the course Canvas site.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction	Note: Class workshop attendance and participation are not directly assessed, but Task 2 (30% of mark) assumes in-person engagement with weekly workshops
2	Instruments	Note A: required weekly short (max 200-word) pre-class written submission Weeks 2-6, as part of Task 1 (20% of course mark)Note B: Class workshop attendance and participation are not directly assessed, but Task 2 (30% of mark) assumes in-person engagement with weekly workshops
3	Institutions	Note A: required weekly short (max 200-word) pre-class written submission Weeks 2-6, as part of Task 1 (20% of course mark)Note B: Class workshop attendance and participation are not directly assessed, but Task 2 (30% of mark) assumes in-person engagement with weekly workshops
4	Interpretations	Note A: required weekly short (max 200-word) pre-class written submission Weeks 2-6, as part of Task 1 (20% of course mark)Note B: Class workshop attendance and participation are not directly assessed, but Task 2 (30% of mark) assumes in-person engagement with weekly workshops
5	Intersections	Note A: required weekly short (max 200-word) pre-class written submission Weeks 2-6, as part of Task 1 (20% of course mark)Note B: Class workshop attendance and participation are not directly assessed, but Task 2 (30% of mark) assumes in-person engagement with weekly workshops
6	Innovations	Note A: required weekly short (max 200-word) pre-class written submission Weeks 2-6, as part of Task 1 (20% of course mark)Note B: Class workshop attendance and participation are not directly assessed, but Task 2 (30% of mark) assumes in-person engagement with weekly workshops
7	Select Issue: Business and Human Rights 1	Note: Class workshop attendance and participation are not directly assessed, but Task 2 (30% of mark) assumes in-person engagement with weekly workshops
8	Select Issue: Business and Human Rights 2	Note: Class workshop attendance and participation are not directly assessed, but Task 2 (30% of mark) assumes in-person engagement with weekly workshops
9	Select issue: Human Rights and Legacy Wrongs 1	Note: Class workshop attendance and participation are not directly assessed, but Task 2 (30% of mark) assumes in-person engagement with weekly workshops
10	Select issue: Human Rights and Legacy Wrongs 2	Note: Class workshop attendance and participation are not directly assessed, but Task 2 (30% of mark) assumes in-person engagement with weekly workshops
11	Human rights: part of the problem?
12	Reflection

Tutorial Registration

There are no tutorials in this course. Students are still required to allocate themselves to the appropriate scheduled activities in MyTimetable.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Short Analysis Task	20 %	03/09/2026	*	1,2,3,4,5,6
Reflection Task	30 %	15/10/2026	29/10/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6
Critical Essay	50 %	05/11/2026	09/12/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

For all courses taught in any mode, the ANU Law School considers attendance at and participation in the classes offered to be an important part of the educational experience of the program. Students are expected to attend all classes. The design of Assessment Task 2 (drawing on class discussions) assumes attendance. The course uses a single weekly meeting (lecture + workshop) model. The workshop (exercises and discussion) component is not necessarily recorded.

Examination(s)

There is no final examination for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Short Analysis Task

Details of Task: 'Insight': pre-class short analysis pieces x 5. Weekly short individual written analysis of a prescribed required reading. For 5 weeks (Weeks 2-6), students must engage with the given piece ahead of the class to which that piece is related. Before the class (by 9am on the once-weekly day of the class), students upload a short (min. 120 words, max. 200) written submission analysing the reading. There is no ‘question’ to answer: an excellent submission might itself pose questions seen as arising from the piece, note and comment on inconsistencies or gaps or issues or themes, outline incipient arguments, and/or comment on other materials (found by the student) that may have a bearing on the given piece. A full rubric for this task, explaining what is expected, will be provided.

Task rationale? Human rights is a subject and phenomenon full of contestation and of challenges to coherence and credibility. This task promotes critical engagement with given pieces (articles or instruments or opinions) so as to: encourage engagement with research materials pre-class; to reduce burden of final piece; to enable feedback before end Week 6; to encourage further individual research on other related materials; to provide a possible basis for a topic for AT3.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task. Students must submit a weekly input, and then (by the due date below), a Word document compilation of their 5 x submissions.

Weighting: 20%

Submission Requirements: Your submission must be made in a Word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted. NOTE: students must submit a weekly piece each week from Week 2 through to Week 6. This is submitted on the Canvas site portal provided. Then, on or before the due date below, the student must compile their 5 submissions into a single Word document and submit that.

Word Limit: 1000 words (5 x 200 max [120 words minimum] submissions)

Due Date: Weekly required task, but compiled into final document due by 5pm on Thursday 3 September 2026 (Week 6). To be clear, this is the due date for the compilation document containing the 5 weeks' worth of weekly submissions. Due to the nature of the task, late submission (without an extension) is NOT permitted. Where you have not been granted an extension, any submission after the due time will not be accepted and a mark of zero will be awarded.

Estimated Return Date: Feedback will be given in an ongoing way from Week 2. The lecturer will try to return these assignments by Week 10.

Assessment Criteria: These are based on the course learning outcomes, and a full rubric will be available on the course Canvas site.

Assessment Task 2

Reflection Task

Details of Task: 'Reflection': x 3 individual reflective analyses relating explicitly to class discussions. Each week we hold small-group discussions on specific issues or topics. This task (AT2) gives students the opportunity to submit individual pieces of work where they attempt to synthesise their reflections on those discussions with their analytical insights. As the rubric will make clear, the task is both analysing and/or arguing the issue, and reflecting on the student’s intellectual experience of debating that issue with others. Students may choose any of the weekly group discussions until Week 10 (i.e. Weeks 1-10) and submit, at any time during the semester or at least by the due date (end of Week 10), a compilation of 3 x short reflective analyses on any 3 of these 10 weekly discussions (so, 3 x 500 word reflections). The lecturer will attempt to give feedback on these before the final week of the course (Week 12). A full rubric for this task, explaining what is expected, will be provided.

Task rationale? The deeply contested and contestable nature of human rights means that different people might quite reasonably hold different views about e.g. the appropriate balance to be drawn in terms of the scope of a right’s protection. This task is directly related to the group discussion sessions in class. It promotes critical reflection on the topics of group discussion while enabling individual argumentation; and challenges students to consider issues from a range of perspectives and to anticipate counter-arguments.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 30%

Submission Requirements: Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted.

Word Limit: 1500 words (3 x max. 500 words (min. 350 words)).

Due Date: 5pm, Thursday 15 October 2026 (Week 10). However, students can submit their 3 x reflections at any time before Week 9 if they wish to get some of the assessment completed (and some feedback) before the course ends. Late submission (without an extension) is permitted, although late penalties will apply. Please be aware that if you are in your final course(s), any late submissions may delay your conferral date.

Estimated Return Date: 29 October 2026 (Week 12)

Assessment Criteria: these are based on the course learning outcomes, and a full rubric will be available on the course Canvas site

Assessment Task 3

Critical Essay

Details of Task: Argument': 2,500 word critical essay. This task comprises a critical essay with an emphasis on coherent and compelling argument. The essay must take one (or more) of the issues or topics covered in Weeks 1-11 and critically analyse that issue or topic by reference to a particular question that will be provided by the lecturer at/by Week 12. Provided that they answer the question by reference to one (or more) of the weekly topics, the student may consider whether they wish to develop some of their insights or views from either AT1 or AT2 and this will not be seen as inappropriate.

Task rationale? This course aims to encourage a critical perspective on the international systems and mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights. The essay allows for this deeper development of coherent and persuasive and supported argument and analysis, as well as requiring independent research by the student beyond the required readings of the course.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 50%

Submission Requirements: Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted.

Word Limit: 2,500 words. This does not include footnotes, provided those only contain citation information and not any substantive analysis or commentary. The ANU School of Law Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Due Date: 5pm, Thursday 5 November 2026. Late submission (without an extension) is permitted, although late penalties will apply. Please be aware that if you are in your final course(s), any late submissions may delay your conferral date.

Estimated Return Date: 9 December 2026.

Assessment Criteria: These are based on the course learning outcomes, and a full rubric will be available on the course Canvas site

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. You must ensure that you upload the correct document on the specified submission due date and time. Any document modified after the due date and time will either incur a late penalty or will NOT be accepted. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education), submission must be through Turnitin in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). Electronic copies in .pdf file format are not acceptable.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
•  Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.
• Late submission is not accepted for tests or examinations.
• Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been granted an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time will be provided in writing. Importantly, any revised due date is inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date will be penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the task per 24-hour period.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

All marks and feedback will be provided by the return date listed in the class summary.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

• Maximum Submissions: Students can submit up to three times per assessment.
• Final Submission Counts: Only the last uploaded version will be marked — provided it is uploaded before marking begins.
• Late Submissions: If submitted after the due date, the final version will still be marked, but late penalties will apply (unless an extension has been approved).
• No Submissions After Return Date: Once the return-of-assessment date has passed, NO submissions will be accepted.
• Marking Already Started: If a marker has already begun marking a version, that version will be the one assessed — even if a newer one is uploaded later.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students