International Human Rights: A Comprehensive Introduction » (1st Edition)

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to international human rights: international human rights law, why international human rights have increasingly risen to world prominence, what is being done about violations of human rights, and what might be done to further promote the cause of international human rights so that everyone may one day have their rights respected regardless of who they are or where they live.

It explains:

• how the concept of international human rights has developed over time


• the variety of types of human rights


• empirical findings from statistical research on human rights


• a listing of all international human rights agreements


• the newest dimensions in the field of human rights (gay rights, animal rights, environmental rights).

Richly illustrated throughout with case studies, controversies, court cases, think points, historical examples, biographical statements, and suggestions for further reading, International Human Rights is the ideal introduction for all students of human rights.

Tables ix

Preface xi

Abbreviations xv

1 Introduction 1

2 The Philosophical Basis for Human Rights 10

3 The Historical Basis for Human Rights 37

4 The Contemporary Basis for Human Rights 72

5 Civil and Political Rights 100

6 Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights 115

7 Crimes Against Humanity, Crimes Against Peace, and War Crimes 142

8 Quantitative Dimensions 173

9 United Nations Charter-Based Organizations 188

10 Other Treaty-Based Global International Organizations 215

11 American Approaches to International Human Rights 233

12 European Approaches to International Human Rights 269

13 Third World Approaches to International Human Rights 295

14 New Dimensions and Challenges 319

Glossary 353

References and further reading 363

Notes 395