An Introduction to Human Rights, Business and Development [2627]

General Information

• Credits: 3 ECTS
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's or Licence level (or equivalent); proficiency in English
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: English
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle

Course Overview

This course examines the relationship between business, development and human rights. It presents the main human rights abuses associated with transnational corporations and the difficulties victims face in obtaining remedies. It first explores international soft-law instruments, particularly the UN and OECD Guiding Principles. It then considers the arguments for and against a binding international treaty. Finally, it assesses the draft UN treaty, focusing on due diligence, corporate liability, jurisdiction and victims’ rights.

Course Objectives

This course enables you to:

• understand how to identify if practices are consistent with human rights standards;
• demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the instruments that constitute soft law approach to business and human rights;
• discuss and assess specific strengths and weaknesses of each instrument in the soft law approach to business and human rights;
• demonstrate an understanding of the arguments for and against the UN binding treaty on business and human rights; and
• evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the current draft on UN binding treaty on business and human rights.

Course Competencies

This course is linked to the following competencies:

• Analyse the interplay between sustainable development, migration and the responsibility of economic actors (Track A, Master's in Human Rights).
• Analyse the power relations that structure global governance and democratic trajectories (Track B, Master's in Human Rights).

Course Outline

Section 1: Soft law approach to Business and Human Rights

Section 2: The binding treaty approach to Business and Human Rights: Arguments for and against

Section 3: How the current draft has addressed to gaps in soft law approach

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade; and
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises);
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Prerequisites

This course is open to anyone holding a Master 1 / Master of Arts 1 (or an equivalent qualification) in law, the humanities, social sciences, theology, or a related field connected to human rights, or with significant personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written English is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities.

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.

Selective Bibliography

• Philip Alston (dir.), Non-State Actors and Human Rights, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2005.
• Andrew Clapham, Human Rights Obligations of Non-State Actors, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2006.
• Surya Deva et David Bilchitz (dir.), Building a Treaty on Business and Human Rights: Context and Contours, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2017.
• Surya Deva et David Bilchitz (dir.), Human Rights Obligations of Business: Beyond the Corporate Responsibility to Respect?, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2013.
• Surya Deva, Regulating Corporate Human Rights Violations: Humanizing Business, Abingdon, Routledge, 2012.