Includes bibliographical references and index.

The rise of international human rights -- State responsibility and 'jurisdiction' -- 'Respecting human rights : avoiding interference -- Protecting human rights : regulating private actors introduction -- Fulfilling human rights : progressive realization -- Derogations in time of public emergency -- The prohibition of discrimination -- Ensuring compliance with international human rights law : the role of national authorities -- The United Nations human rights treaties system -- The United Nations Charter-based monitoring of human rights -- Regional mechanisms of protection.

This textbook explores human rights as a global network. Using cases, materials and commentary, it presents human rights law as an active tool. By illustrating how it evolves to address contemporary issues such as terrorism and poverty, it gives a complex subject immediacy and relevance.