SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This timely and valuable book explores the development of international human rights law over the last six decades. The volume brings together leading experts to reflect on different aspects of human rights law, not only considering and evaluating the developments so far, but also identifying relevant problems and proposing relevant possible perspectives for the continued positive future development of human rights law. The book is international in perspective, both in scope and context, and covers developments in the international protection of human rights since the adoption of the UDHR in 1948. The developments considered include the United Nations system of protecting human rights as well as regional human rights systems in Africa, America and Europe. It also considers some key themes relevant to human rights including globalisation, protecting human rights in emergency situations and trade sanctions, the development of human rights NGOs, and many others. The book will be an invaluable resource for students, academics and policy-makers working in the field of international human rights. REVIEWS: "This weighty collection addresses both the theory and practice of the UDHR, the origins, concepts and implementation of this seminal document, including the various global and regional mechanisms that it has influenced. Some contributions explore the various modern concepts and contexts against which this living instrument must be read and re-read – from globalization trends, and the rise of non-state actors etc, while others offer a fresh take on ongoing debates such as relativism/universalism. Long established names and significant newer voices, spanning the globe and writing from the perspective of practice and academia make this is a collection deserving of a wide readership." -- Patrick Twomey, The International Human Rights Network "There are nearly thirty chapters on key rights and issues, written by leading human rights authors. Particularly notable is the book’s critical emphasis, examining realistically both what has been achieved since 1948, and remains to be achieved, and the prospects for the future. It is this critical dimension that will give the book lasting value." -- Prof. David Harris, University of Nottingham, UK