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Human Rights

Between Idealism and Realism

Christian Tomuschat author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:25th Sep '14

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Human Rights cover

This insightful book explores human rights as both legal tools and ethical principles, examining their historical context and current applications in international law.

This new edition of Human Rights delves into the complexities of human rights in practice, emphasizing their role as effective legal instruments aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals. By merging theoretical analysis with a focus on implementation mechanisms, this volume offers a comprehensive perspective on the subject. The author begins with a brief historical overview, followed by an exploration of the intellectual foundations that underpin the legitimacy of human rights.

In this edition, key themes such as human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination are examined as essential components of a robust human rights culture. The book addresses critical issues, including protections against racial discrimination and gender inequality, positioning the individual as a central figure within international law. The author also evaluates the functions of political institutions like the United Nations and the various expert bodies established by international treaties, as well as the role of regional tribunals in safeguarding human rights.

Additionally, this edition provides an in-depth analysis of specific UN actions, such as those mandated by the Security Council in response to the situation in Libya in 2011. The text further expands on the jurisprudence of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. Concluding with a discussion on humanitarian law and its significance in protecting human dignity, Human Rights offers valuable insights into the future trajectory of human rights advocacy.

This excellent book gives a profound account of the status quo of international human rights law. It fills a gap in the literature on human rights that is largely substance but not implementation oriented. It will of great value to students, but also to anyone interested in learning more about the functioning of human rights regimes... [It] is a comprehensive cutting-edge overview of human rights practise. * Jannika Jahn, The Journal of Comparative Public Law and International Law (ZaöRV) *
Review from previous edition A good book... well organized and clearly written, and includes a wealth of important information (and citations). It will be particularly helpful for courses that want to place emphasis on human rights practice. It is also a healthy reminder of the fact that, despite the many setbacks, the human rights discourse is here to stay. * George Andreopoulos, Political Science Quarterly *
In Human Rights: Between Realism and Idealism Christian Tomuschat fulfills his title's promise. His account of the place of human rights in domestic legal systems, and the international legal order is lucid and thorough, and it offers few concessions either to cynically inclined realists or to starry-eyed idealists... Tomuschat has written a book that will be of great use to readers of any jurisprudential bent. Human Rights offers an erudite and admirably well-organized overview of the network of formal legal rules and institutions that support human rights. * Rosa Brooks, American Journal of International Law *

ISBN: 9780199683727

Dimensions: 240mm x 173mm x 36mm

Weight: 936g

520 pages

3rd Revised edition