“While many scholars agree that companies ought to be held accountable for their role in human rights violations, international laws are generally poorly suited to hold companies responsible for their violations of human rights, and thus the United Nations’ attempts to set standards for transnational corporations have not been effective.”1 To what extent do you agree with this statement?

International Human Rights

Question 1

The terms “aspirational rights” and “progressive realisation” mean that some States pay no more than lip service to the International Covenant on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights.

In light of the above statement critically assess the nature and extent of economic, social and cultural rights protection in international human rights law. Include in your answer a comparison with the protection of civil and political rights in international law.

Question 2

“While many scholars agree that companies ought to be held accountable for their role in human rights violations, international laws are generally poorly suited to hold companies responsible for their violations of human rights, and thus the United Nations’ attempts to set standards for transnational corporations have not been effective.”1

To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Question 3

Critically assess whether the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and its associated Protocol is an adequate regime for protecting the human rights of women. Include in your answer an explanation of the reasons why CEDAW was adopted.

1 Shima Baradaran and Stephanie Barclay, ‘Fair trade and child labor’ (2011) 43 Colum. Hum. Rts. L. Rev. 1, 9