EDS245 Human Rights and Development

Human rights provide important ethical, theoretical and legal perspectives on societies and development theory, policy and practice. They contribute to defining the ends and means of human development, linked to, among others, the rights to racial and gender equality, to participation, and to adequate livelihoods and a healthy environment.

The course addresses major issues in human rights and development. A historical introduction addresses topics such as slavery, colonisation and exploitation, which form the background for the creation of human rights. Human rights will be discussed in relation to selected topics, including: migration; environmental and climate crises; rights of indigenous peoples; land, water and food; economy; inequality; work; gender; and indigenous status. The politics, problems and opportunities in the work by the United Nations, states and civil society to promote human rights globally and locally will be discussed. The course emphasises understanding the ways political, environmental and economic processes and power relations shape the achievement of human rights and how human rights advocacy can contribute to a more just world.

After completing the Course, participants will have:

1. KNOWLEDGE: Understand, account for and discuss major theories and approaches in human rights and development. Know about the application of human rights in different policy-areas and social, cultural, economic and ecological contexts. Know and understand power relations that affect the formulation and realisation of human rights.
2. SKILLS: Work in interdisciplinary teams. Search, manage and share information. Presenting and debate themes in human rights and development. Analyse and critique politics and power relations in the light of human rights. Communicate orally and in writing. Reflect on and discuss questions of values and ethics.
3. GENERAL COMPETENCE. Use human rights theories and approaches to address problems in politics, societal development and practice in diverse social, economic, cultural and environmental contexts.