We have spent the first first few lesson in this unit considering the ways in which the very concept of human rights has been developed and codified over time, resulting in the production of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (copies here if you want to refresh your memory). But, as we know, it is all very well having these declarations but how do states and other global actors actually monitor and protect human rights?

Over the next two lessons we will attempt to:

1. Consider the ways in which human rights are codified, protected and monitored through the use of human rights laws and treaties

2. Begin to assess the effectiveness - or otherwise - of multilateral and bilateral human rights diplomacy.

Read the following extract from the chapter on human rights and answer the the questions on the other pdf