Active learning ideas
Enforcing human rights on a global scale is one of the most challenging aspects of international law. This topic evaluates the effectiveness of the United Nations, international courts like the ICC, and the role of non-government organisations (NGOs) like Amnesty International. Students must grapple with the concept of state sovereignty, the idea that a nation has the right to govern itself without outside interference, and how this often acts as a barrier to protecting individuals from their own governments.
Activity 01
Students represent different nations (veto powers and non-permanent members) to respond to a hypothetical human rights crisis. They must negotiate a resolution while navigating the limitations of state sovereignty.
How does state sovereignty impact human rights enforcement?
Activity 02
Small groups choose a specific NGO and track their involvement in a recent human rights issue. They must evaluate whether the NGO's 'naming and shaming' tactics were more effective than formal legal channels.
What role does the UN play in protecting human rights?
Activity 03
Students discuss whether the five permanent members of the Security Council should keep their veto power. They must consider how the veto has both prevented and enabled human rights interventions.
How effective are international tribunals?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The UN can send troops into any country to stop human rights abuses.
The UN requires Security Council approval and usually the consent of the host nation, unless acting under Chapter VII. A 'flow-chart' activity of the UN intervention process helps students see the legal hurdles involved.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) can prosecute any world leader.
The ICC only has jurisdiction if the state is a member or the Security Council refers the case. Mapping out which major powers (like the US and China) are not members helps students understand the ICC's practical limitations.
Methods used in this brief
Evolution of Human Rights
Students trace the historical development of human rights and the creation of international human rights documents. They examine the universal and inalienable nature of these rights.
8 methodologies
Domestic Protection of Human Rights
Students investigate how human rights are protected in Australia through the Constitution, common law, and statute law. They debate the necessity of an Australian Charter of Rights.
8 methodologies