International Human Rights Law and Practice by
Ilias Bantekas
4th edition 2024
human rights law
foundational theories
international and regional human rights systems
specific rights
application of human rights in different contexts
, Chapter 1: Foundations of International Human Rights
Law
1. What are the dual functions of human rights?
Human rights serve as claims based on values or principles and as
legal rights that ensure entitlements and freedoms.
2. What is the significance of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights (UDHR)?
The UDHR establishes inherent rights based on dignity, equality,
and liberty and serves as the cornerstone for international human
rights law.
3. What are the key criticisms of the American and French
declarations of rights?
They were class-biased, excluded women, and tolerated slavery and
colonialism.
4. How did World War II shape modern human rights law?
It highlighted atrocities like the Holocaust, leading to the
establishment of the UN and the UDHR.
5. What were the Cold War’s effects on human rights
development?
Ideological divides delayed the realization of comprehensive treaties
like the ICCPR and ICESCR.