Human Rights of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples

Catalog description

The course will introduce students to the applicable international human rights framework protecting the rights of minorities and Indigenous Peoples. The course will also explore the existing gaps in the protection of rights of Indigenous Peoples and minority groups under national Constitutions and laws on one hand and international human rights law on the other hand. Students will examine the value of applying human rights protections by reviewing and researching case studies from around the world. Students will also research and study various effective advocacy strategies before regional and international bodies. For example, students will be introduced to the concept of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of Indigenous Peoples which has become a major focus within human rights practice, primarily in cases of resource exploitation on Indigenous lands. " "Class will be run as a discussion seminar. Several leading international human rights experts and advocates including UN experts will be invited to speak about their work and engage with the students on the subject of the course. Course will include using films, artistic and museum exhibitions and plays that would provoke further discussion and debate. Student participation and engagement constitutes a critical part of the grade. In addition to the reading and participation in the class, students will be making class presentations on country case studies highlighting minority groups and Indigenous Peoples from different regions. Students will critically analyze primary and secondary sources and documents on national, regional and international policies impacting rights of minority groups and Indigenous Peoples.