a. Universal Human Rights Instruments

Main Debates

To What Extent Can International Human Rights Law Fill Existing Gaps in Refugee Protection?

Legally Binding Protection Norms v. Discretionary State Practices

How Can International Human Rights Treaties Provide  Protection without Enforcement Powers?

Main Points

Universal Instruments for Human Rights Protection

Complementarity between 1951 Geneva Convention and Other Human Rights Instruments

International Monitoring Bodies and their Protection-Related Practices

• i. Universal Declaration of Human Rights; The UN International Convenant for Civil and Political Rights
• ii. The UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
• iii. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
• iv. The Geneva Conventions and Protocols: Minimum Standards in Times of War