LAW5359 - International human rights law and women - 2017

Securing the protection and promotion of the human rights of women remains a challenge in the 21st century. Notwithstanding the significant advances in international human rights norms relating to women, systemic discrimination and inequality are part of everyday life for many women in the world. Many human rights abuses relate solely to, or impact more significantly on, women, such as, violence, human trafficking, and female genital mutilation. This unit examines the international human rights obligations and standards pertaining to women, including relevant international treaties, customary international law and the domestic means of implementing international norms. It covers the theoretical debates about securing the human rights of women, including debates about discrimination, equality and the public-private divide and examines the impact and challenges of cultural practices on the realisation of women's human rights

• Apply knowledge and understanding of recent developments in relation to international human rights law and women with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and for further learning with reference to available avenues for enforcing the human rights of women
• Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to securing the human rights of women
• Conduct research in women's rights with reference to international human rights norms based on knowledge of appropriate research principles and methods
• Use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts relevant to the international human rights system as it relates to the protecting and enforcing the rights of women

Research paper (3,750 words): 50%

Take-home examination (3,750 words): 50%

OR

Research paper (7,500 words): 100%

24 contact hours per semester (either intensive, semi-intensive or semester long, depending on the Faculty resources, timetabling and requirements)

Dr Tania Penovic Research ProfileResearch Profile (http://monash.edu/research/people/profiles/profile.html?sid=2453&pid=3210)

LAW5304

Please note that the prerequisite subject can be waived in consultation with the Chief Examiner. For example, the subject may be waived if the candidate has gained sufficient knowledge through prior learning or experience, or a clear willingness to do adequate reading in advance of this subject.