LAW7425 - International refugee law and human rights

Leader: Professor Susan Kneebone

Offered

City (Melbourne) Second semester 2008 (Evening)

Synopsis

The unit examines the evolution of the international regime for refugee protection and challenges from restrictive policies of receiving countries, including the EU. It compares international refugee protection and other human rights protection. It examines the human rights implications of asylum and non-refoulement, the refugee definition, and its elements.

Objectives

Upon completion of this subject, students should:

1. Understand the evolution and nature of the international regime for refugee protection.
2. Have detailed knowledge of the international instruments applicable to asylum seekers and refugees, including the Refugees Convention.
3. Be able to compare the responses of different states and regions to refugee issues since the creation of the Refugees Convention.
4. Understand and be able to evaluate the human rights of refugees and asylum seekers under the Refugees Convention and related relevant international instruments.
5. Understand and be able to evaluate the application of human rights protection to refugees and asylum seekers.
6. Have acquired detailed knowledge of the concept of a 'refugee' under the Refugees Convention and of the various elements of the refugee definition.
7. Have acquired detailed knowledge of the measures taken by receiving states and regions, including the EU, to restrict the conferment of protection on refugees and asylum seekers or to provide alternative forms of protection.
8. Enhanced oral and written communication skills, including the ability to conduct research and to devise a research project.

Assessment

One research assignment (3,750 works): 50% One take-home examination (3,750 words): 50%

Contact hours

24 Hours

Prerequisites

Nil

Co-requisites

Nil

Prohibitions

Nil