Handbook

Most people are familiar with the concept and language of human rights. But what is the origin of the contemporary conception and practice of human rights? Does it come from the French Revolution? Early modern philosophy? Or does our current understanding of human rights have a more recent origin? This unit will introduce you to debates about the history of human rights as a recognisable political discourse, and competing conceptions of what human rights are. We will then explore the implications of these debates for the practice of human rights, focusing on issues such as humanitarian intervention, and the work of NGOs.