JUR405 International Human Rights Law and Institutions (Autumn 2026)

On successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

• demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the main human rights instruments, institutions, procedures and mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights at the universal and regional levels, as well as a nuanced understanding of the domestic implementation and protection of international human rights obligations, with particular reference to the Norwegian legal system
• recognize the similarities and differences between the main international and regional human rights instruments, institutions and procedures within the field of human rights, as well as the function and the effects of central rules and principles

• describe and evaluate the performance of the international processes and mechanisms towards human rights compliance, informed by the practice of international courts and other organs
• contribute to theoretical and practical discussions surrounding the protection and the limitation of human rights and civil liberties
• independently outline and elaborate on the debate around the sources of International Human Rights Law, their practice and specificities
• have a deeper understanding of the content of selected rights contained in the main international human rights conventions
• apply relevant sources of law, inter alia practice and/or case-law from universal and regional judicial and quasi-judicial institutions, when assessing concrete legal issues
• apply comprehensive knowledge in the field of International Human Rights Law to advise both private and public actors in their international activities

As a result of globalisation and international interdependence, international law is changing. Whereas in the past this law was limited to relations between states, in recent years, organizations, peoples, business and individuals have also become part of the realm of international law. Who is entitled to intervene in case of violations of individual and collective human rights? Can the international community develop governance mechanisms, including law, to deal with problems such as non-state actors and systemic transnational challenges?

The aim of the course is to provide an advanced introduction to the main sources and global and regional human rights instruments, institutions and organs in International Human Rights Law. It also presents some of the main current challenges within this field of law.

International Human Rights law lays down obligations which the ratifying states are bound to respect. The first part of the course presents the instruments, institutions and procedures required to monitor the promotion, implementation and protection of internationally guaranteed rights, in a critical perspective, with particular emphasis on their application in practice, including relevant jurisprudence and case law from international and regional courts and quasi-judicial bodies.

As the body of international human rights law continues to grow and evolve, the second part of the course acknowledges the growing phenomenon of group rights. It focuses on selected collective rights such as the right to self-determination, indigenous peoples’ and minority rights, as well as on the issue of sustainable development and human rights. It further includes an examination of women’s human rights as a distinct and evolving field within International Human Rights Law, including consideration of relevant international instruments and standards, as well as contemporary challenges such as gender-based violence and discrimination.

By its nature and content, this course contributes to achieving several of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, but more specifically nr. 4 (Quality Education) and nr. 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

The course will consist of plenary lectures as well as seminars. In the seminars, the students will deal with specific theoretical and practical problems designed to deepen their understanding of the course topics. The assignments will encourage the students to independent analysis of and reflection upon core topics, thus providing them with a solid foundation for assessment and critique of specific legal rules.

A compulsory written assignment is also included.

Students must use Canvas, which is the university’s learning support system. The course has an expected scope of work of around 202 hours.

A compulsory written assignment must be approved before you can sit for the exam.

Further information will be posted in Canvas at the start of the semester