Module 1

Correct! We hold human rights as “humans”, not by virtue of citizenship in a particular state. But how can all humans have the same rights? Political rights in Canada and China, or Denmark and Chad, must be different given their different stages of development and different systems of government. Or not? Can women’s rights be the same in Canada and Saudi Arabia? This is the problem of “universality”. We will look at in depth in Module 4.

Incorrect!

Incorrect!

Correct! Human rights are claims on power – mainly, but not only state power. States negotiate and ratify the treaties that protect international human rights, and for the most part these treaties place obligations on states. But people are at risk not only from state power: for example, women are at risk of violence in their homes and communities, minorities may face hostility in the streets or discrimination in employment, civilians in war may be attacked by rebel forces, and peasants may be forcibly displaced by mining companies. International human rights standards require states to protect individuals from arbitrary power wielded by others. We will look at many examples of this, and in Module 8 consider in depth how the activities of transnational corporations might be affected by international human rights law.

Incorrect!

Incorrect!

Correct! Human rights are special claims that take precedence over other types of demands. Many demands are made of governments – a human rights claim is special because it is meant to take priority and not be traded against competing claims. But, not all human rights are absolute. Although slavery and torture are never permitted, most human rights can be limited in specific ways, and a state of emergency in a country may allow the government to suspend some human rights. In Module 2 we will examine how, especially in the context of fighting terrorism, states can legitimately restrict respect for human rights.

Correct! International human rights are defined and protected in international treaties. The expectation is that states that ratify these treaties will ensure their domestic laws will be amended to give effect to the international rules. All states have ratified some international treaties. The most important treaties enjoy close to an 80% ratification rate. There is an ongoing process to define and agree new international human rights standards, for example as regards the right to privacy on the internet, or the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people. But how are these treaties enforced? We will consider this question in depth in Modules 5 and 6.