The course starts with an overview of the history and legal grounds (Article 1, the UN Charter - peace, justice, development) for human rights, as well as of intergovernmental organizations engaged in human rights work and human rights instruments. 

The course proceeds to human rights standards and their contents, which cover: 

• right of self- determination, right to equality and non-discrimination, civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights, right to development, protection of vulnerable groups, individual and group rights, victims' rights; 

• national implementation, including the relationship between national and international law, constitutional law and legislation, the independence of the judiciary and of prosecutors, NHRIs, remedies, and human rights in foreign policy; 

• international monitoring, including complaints and special procedures, 

• State reporting, good offices, needs assessments and technical cooperation, the role of NGOs, with emphasis on case law; 

• promotional activities, e.g. human rights education and human rights research. 

A number of subjects related to human rights is also explored in the course, e.g. international labor standards, refugee law, humanitarian law, intellectual property rights, environmental law, international criminal law, good governance, and the rule of law.

Reading materials include the websites of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and of several other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.