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177 Human Rights Research Topics: Bright Ideas List 2023

177 Human Rights Research Topics

Do you have a college research project or thesis on human rights and have been wondering how to prepare a good paper? You need a number of things, such as good research, analytical, and writing skills. However, the first step is getting the right topic. This is very challenging for most students, but we are here to help. This post provides a 177 human rights topics list that you can count on for the best grade. We will also tell you how to craft a great university human rights dissertation.

A Brief about Human Rights

Human rights are the basic freedoms and rights that belong to all persons in the globe, starting from birth to death. These rights apply irrespective of where you are, personal beliefs, or the way you decide to live your life. They cannot be taken away but can be restricted in some cases, such as if you break the law.

The basic rights are anchored on shared values, such as dignity, fairness, equality, independence, and respect. They are all protected by law. Because of their wide applications in areas such as the justice system and employment-related topics, you can expect to get many related school assignments and projects on it.

How to Write a Good Human Rights Thesis or Dissertation

Before we can look at the best human rights thesis topics, let’s look at the best process of writing it. This can be divided into six main steps:

  • Identify the study topic in line with your class teacher/professor’s recommendations. You can use our list of basic human rights topics that comes shortly after this guide.
  • Research the topic well to ensure it has ample resources. Then, identify the main points that will be covered during the study. It will be good to think about the entire dissertation right from the start because all parts are interconnected.
  • Develop a thesis statement. This is very important because it will be tested after analyzing the results.
  • Develop a good structure for the thesis. This is the outline that will guide you on what to include at what point. Carefully look at the current recommendation from your school. One of the best outlines you might want to consider include:
Introduction Literature review Methodology Results Analysis and discussion Conclusion Bibliography
  • Prepare the first draft.
  • Write the final draft by redefining the first draft. At this point, it will be a good idea to consider editing services from experts.

Next, we will highlight the main topics that you should consider in human rights. However, we’d like to remind that you can only pay for thesis and not waste your time over a tone of assignments.

Top Human Rights Research Topics

  • How does social discrimination impact people living with HIV/AIDS?
  • Same-sex marriage: Why is it more social compared to religious significance?
  • A review of international reaction to sweatshops in Asian countries.
  • A closer look at the flaws of morals for kids raised in the US compared to those brought up in Japan.
  • A comprehensive review of the employment problem arising from the surge of the immigrant population.
  • Human rights violations in a country of choice: How has it impacted its image?
  • War against terrorism: How is it impacting human rights?
  • Should prisoners retain their voting rights?
  • Should the US cut trade ties with countries that grossly violate human rights?
  • Universal human rights: Are they achievable in the modern world?
  • Is there a point where human rights can be justified in the interest of national security?
  • Use of cameras in public places: Do they violate human rights?
  • Non-governmental organizations’ operations: Are they strong enough to help protect human rights?
  • Promotion of human rights: Should it be the first priority for every government?
  • Capitalistic systems: Do they defend or violate human rights?
  • Comparing the policies for human rights protection of the United States and India.
  • A review of human rights violations during the 2021 US army withdrawal from Afghanistan.
  • Should the US be held accountable for the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945?
  • Human rights in the US and Latin America: A comparison.
  • Compare two historical human rights portraits in the 20 th century.

Argumentative Human Rights Topics

  • Is violation of human rights allowed during times of war?
  • Circumcision of infants: Does it violate their human rights?
  • Should women and men have varying rights?
  • What is the link between human rights and traditions?
  • Capital punishment: Should it be considered a violation of human rights?
  • Right for freedom to education: Should it be made available for all?
  • Social media networking services: Should they guarantee privacy for all the clients.
  • Is the US policy on immigration discriminatory?
  • Interest of states: Should it take precedence over an individual’s human rights?
  • Developed countries have a duty to promote human rights in the developing states.
  • Pet ownership should be considered a universal human right.
  • Childhood concept differs from one culture to another: Should the notion of child labor also vary?
  • What are inappropriate ways of fighting for human rights?
  • Development of a country: Does it depend on the country’s defense of human rights?
  • From a human rights perspective, which is the most important amendment to the US constitution?
  • Comparing Apartheid and Holocaust: Has justice been done for the victims.
  • Human rights in the 21 st century: Is the globe doing enough to address the crisis in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia and Afghanistan?
  • What are the most important lessons on human rights from World War II?
  • Human rights violations in West Bank: Has the globe done enough?

International Human Rights Topics

  • What does the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines tell us about human rights internationally?
  • A review of cases of human rights in the United States between the 1950 and 2000.
  • Analyze the impacts of discrimination based on color and race.
  • A thematic review of modern human rights movements.
  • Trace the evolution of human rights starting from the ancient times to the age of globalization.
  • What is the relationship between human rights and peace in a country? A case study of the Netherlands.
  • Disability in the UK is under attack: Discuss.
  • Who should people running away from human rights violations turn to?
  • Is it appropriate to deny human rights on the basis of religion and gender?
  • Violation of human rights in North Korea: How is the developed world preparing to tackle it?
  • Violation of human rights in Venezuela: Should the United States get involved?
  • The right to stay silent in a court of law: How is this likely to affect the accused person?
  • What are the best remedies for addressing violations of women’s rights in the Middle East?
  • Will the world ever get to a point where people will live without worrying about human rights violations?
  • What makes it so difficult to introduce gun control in the United States?
  • Who should be held responsible for cases of mass shootings in schools?

Controversial Human Rights Topics

  • What are the similarities and differences between human and civil rights?
  • Evaluate the violation of human rights in Syria in the 21 st century.
  • Police-related human rights violation: How can we prevent it?
  • Should prisoners have a right to vote?
  • Assisted euthanasia is a violation of human rights: Discuss.
  • Should persons who try to take their own lives be charged in a court of law?
  • What is the best way to punish states for violating human rights?
  • Countries arming themselves with nuclear weapons are readying to violate human rights.
  • How effective are laws on domestic violence in the UK?
  • All cases of human abuses in history should be tried and concluded.
  • Is the UN doing enough to protect human rights?
  • Holocaust: Is it possible for the world to heal completely?
  • Do you think that the Rwanda Genocide could have been avoided?
  • It is time to act: How do you think the global community should handle the problem of immigrants trying to cross from Africa into Europe?
  • The hidden danger of not addressing bullying in school.
  • Is disciplining a child a violation of human rights?
  • Are correctional facilities doing enough to correct the behavior of inmates?
  • Is imprisonment enough to punish murder criminals?
  • Making a case for life imprisonment and the death penalty for murder criminals.
  • Is abortion a violation of human rights?

Human Rights Discussion Topics

  • What is your view on the famous revolt of the Cockroach People?
  • Discuss the outcomes of the LGBT movements in the 20 th century.
  • A deeper look into civil rights movements from Malcolm X point of view.
  • Interaction between Japan and China during WWII: How did it impact human rights issues in the two states?
  • Discuss the biggest human rights violations in South Africa after Apartheid.
  • UN Refugee program: How does it help enhance refugees’ welfare across the globe?
  • French Revolution and human rights: A thematic review.
  • Human rights in medieval Europe.
  • Human Rights Act in New Zealand in 1993: What is its significance?
  • Which human rights did women across the globe find hard to access in the 20 th century?
  • Police brutality in Brazil: Are the efforts taken by the government enough?
  • Discuss transgender rights in Europe.
  • A review of transgender human rights issues in the United States.
  • Disability rights in the UK.
  • Comparing disability policies in the US and India.
  • Racial profiling by police.
  • What are the roots of racism in the United States?
  • Review the Trail of Broken Treaties.
  • A deeper look at the Chattel Slavery in the Colonial America.
  • Review the African-American male experience.
  • Reviewing the history of the Bill of Rights in the United States.
  • Analyzing the American Indian Movement: How does it compare with other human rights movements?
  • Human rights in modern cinema: How are whites and people of color-treated?

Interesting Civil Rights Topics

  • Black Power Movement: How did it impact the Black Lives Matter in 2020 and 2021?
  • Are the 20 th Century civil rights movements sustainable?
  • Comparing women rights movements in 2020 and the 20 th century.
  • How did Martin Luther influence the civil rights approaches that came after him?
  • Comparing the scientific Revolution, Reformation and Renaissance movements’ impacts on western thought.
  • Protestant Reformation: Discuss how Catholic Church’s corruption and crusaders of war contributed towards its formation.
  • A closer look at the human rights movements during the Industrial Revolution of between 1760 and 1840.
  • How did the teachings of the American Revolution help the secession movement and Civil War?
  • How did Teddy Roosevelt impact the progressive movement?
  • The impact of communism impacts world history.
  • The location of a civil movement is the most important thing in its success: Discuss.
  • What made people start nationalist movement in Prussia?
  • Discuss the results of anti-nationalist movements in New York.
  • Female and Islam oppression on the globe.
  • Reinventing a revolution: A closer look at the Zapatista Movement.
  • What is the link between music, protest, and justice?
  • Confederate Flag: Is it a symbol of oppression?
  • Review the voting rights of 1965.
  • The West Memphis Three.

Special Human Rights Debate Topics

  • Women rights in the first half and second half 20 th century.
  • Legalization of same sex marriage and its impact on global fights for human rights.
  • Human rights movements in the US and their impact on federal policies.
  • International human rights movements: How has it influenced the UK judicial policies?
  • Responsibility to protect: How is it related to the issue of human rights?
  • Suffrage rights in ancient Greek: A holistic review.
  • Human rights presentation in the philosophy of enlightenment.
  • Human rights violations during the First World War.
  • What are lessons did we learn from Hitler and Holocaust during WWII.
  • These five reasons are the main causes of human rights violations in the 21 st century.
  • The main causes of gender disparity in the US.
  • Comparing the state of human rights in the UK and Qatar.
  • Do you think the bible violates human rights?
  • Environmental racism: What are the main effects?
  • The importance of the judiciary in protecting human rights.
  • Women rights in the Roman Empire.
  • Segregation is a violation of human rights.
  • Discussing critical human rights issues in India.

Unique Human Rights Topics for Research

  • The collapse of the Soviet Union and Rise of Communism in Russia.
  • Comparing the Pan-African movement to the 20 th -century cultural nationalism of Latin America.
  • A review of the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement’s goals and methods.
  • Abolition of death penalty: Why it is a major human rights issue.
  • Popularity of social media and its impact on human rights. A closer review of Arab countries in North Africa.
  • International Calvinism: What was the impact on European Culture?
  • Why do other countries not intervene in North Korea where massive abuses of human rights have been reported?
  • A statistical review of human trafficking in the 20 th century.
  • How can a person as an individual help to promote human rights?
  • Utilitarianism contravenes human rights.
  • Human rights institutions and their efforts in protecting human rights in Africa.
  • Military actions to protect human rights: Does it make sense?
  • Black Lives Matter Movement protests: What does the movement say about human rights today?
  • Does the UK constitution comprehensively cover the issue of human rights?
  • Global manufacturing: How has it impacted the rights of workers?
  • Has the International Labor Organization done enough to protect the plight of workers on the globe?
  • How does poverty impact human rights in developing countries?

PhD Topics in Human Rights

  • A review of the parts of the globe with the worst cases of human rights violation.
  • How does the internet promote human trafficking? A thematic review.
  • A comprehensive review of factors that impact the outcome of different trials in a court of law.
  • Legitimate forms of the death penalty.
  • What factors prevent people from getting justice? A literature review.
  • A comprehensive review of the impacts of legalizing drug use.
  • What factors prevent equal representation of women in top leadership roles in the developing world?
  • What are the major problems faced by LGBT couples? Propose possible solutions.
  • Racial profiling by police: A case study of Mexico.
  • A comparative review of human rights policies of three countries of your choice in Europe.

Other Human Rights Research Paper Topics

  • LGBT relationships: Why are they disallowed in some countries?
  • Comparing the rights of pets to human rights?
  • A review of human rights violations during quarantines caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • A review of the fundamental principle of the EU Commission of Human Rights.
  • Human rights violations in Taiwan.
  • What is the link between ecological problems and human rights problems?
  • Evaluate the most frequently violated human right in your workplace.
  • What is the UK policy on refugees?
  • A closer review of transgender rights in Europe.
  • Discuss physical abuses in marriage in the UK.
  • Evaluate the amendment of laws in France to suit LGBT relationships.
  • Prisoners of war: Do they deserve human rights protection?
  • Discuss the strategies used by the two countries with the best human rights records.
  • Comparing the human rights institutions in Africa to those in Asia.
  • Violation of human rights in Crimea in 2014: Were the remedies enough?

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COMPASS Manual for Human Rights Education with Young people

Questions and answers about human rights.

human rights research questions

Question: What are human rights?

Human rights are moral entitlements that every individual in the world possesses simply in virtue of the fact that he or she is a human being. In claiming our human rights, we are making a moral claim, normally on our own government, that you cannot do that, because it is a violation of my moral sphere and my personal dignity. No-one – no individual, no government – can ever take away our human rights.

Question: Where do they come from?

They come from the fact that we are not only physical beings, but also moral and spiritual human beings. Human rights are needed to protect and preserve every individual's humanity, to ensure that every individual can live a life of dignity and a life that is worthy of a human being.

Question: Why "should" anyone respect them?

Fundamentally, because everyone is a human being and therefore a moral being. The majority of individuals, if shown that they are violating someone else's personal dignity, will try to refrain. In general, people do not want to hurt other people. However, in addition to the moral sanctions of one's own conscience or that of others, there is now legislation in most countries of the world which obliges governments to respect the basic human rights of citizens, even when they may be unwilling to do so.

Question:  Who has human rights?

Absolutely everyone. Criminals, heads of state, children, men, women, Africans, Americans, Europeans, refugees, stateless persons, the unemployed, those in employment, bankers, those accused of carrying out acts of terrorism, charity workers, teachers, dancers, astronauts ...

Question: Even criminals and heads of state?

Absolutely everyone. Criminals and heads of state are humans too. The power of human rights lies in the very fact that they treat everyone as equal in terms of possessing human dignity. Some people may have violated the rights of others or may pose a threat to society and may therefore need to have their rights limited in some way in order to protect others, but only within certain limits. These limits are defined as being the minimum which is necessary for a life of human dignity.

Question: Why do some groups require special human rights? Does this mean that they have more rights than others?

No, some groups, such as the Roma in Europe or Dalits and scheduled castes in India, have suffered such long-term discrimination in our societies that they need special measures to enable them to access general human rights standards on an equal basis with others. Years of institutionalised discrimination and stereotypes, and outright hatred and obstacles, mean that just announcing generally applicable rights to them, and expecting that this is enough to ensure equality, would be farcical.

Question: Why do we talk about human rights and not human responsibilities?

Although some thinkers and NGOs have put forward strong arguments for the need for human responsibilities and even codes or declaration to articulate these, the human rights community has generally been reticent about this debate. The reason is that many governments make the "granting" of human rights dependent on certain "duties" imposed by the state or ruler, in this way making the whole idea of rights as birthrights meaningless. However, it goes without saying that we need to act responsibly as individuals and groups to respect the rights of others, not to abuse human rights and to advance the rights of others as well as ourselves. In fact, article 29 of the UDHR recognises that, "1. Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible. 2. In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.".

Question: Who looks after human rights?

We all need to. There is legislation both at national and at international levels which imposes restrictions on what governments are able to do to their citizens but, if no-one points out that their actions are violating international norms, governments can continue to violate them with impunity. As individuals, we need not only to respect the rights of others in our everyday lives but also to keep watch on our governments and on others. The protective systems are there for all of us if we use them.

Question: How can I defend my rights?

Try pointing out that they have been violated; claim your rights. Let the other person know that you know they are not entitled to treat you in this way.. Pinpoint the relevant articles in the UDHR, in the ECHR or the other international documents. If there is legislation in your own country, point to that as well. Tell others about it: tell the press, write to your parliamentary representative and head of state, inform any NGOs that are engaged in human rights activism. Ask their advice. Speak to a lawyer, if you have the opportunity. Make sure that your government knows what action you are taking. Make them realise that you are not going to give up. Show them the support you can draw on. In the final analysis, and if everything else has failed, you may want to resort to the courts.

Question: How do I go to the European Court of Human Rights?

The European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms contains a procedure for individual complaints. However, there are strong admissibility requirements before a case can be considered. For example, you need to ensure that your complaint has already been raised in the national courts of your country (up to the highest court!) before you can bring a case to the European Court. If you wish to try, and you believe that you satisfy the admissibility requirements, then you can bring a complaint. However, you are strongly advised to seek legal advice or the advice of NGOs working in the field in order to be sure that your claim has a real chance of success. Be aware that it can be a long and complicated process before a final judgment is given!

Question: From whom can I claim my rights?

Nearly all the basic human rights that are listed in the international documents are claims against your government, or state officials. Human rights protect your interests against the state, so you need to claim them from the state or from their representatives. If you feel that your rights are being violated by, for example, your employer or your neighbour, you cannot resort directly to international human rights legislation unless there is also something the government of the country ought to have done to prevent employers or neighbours from behaving in this way.

Question: Does anyone have a duty to protect my rights?

Yes. A right is meaningless without a corresponding responsibility or duty on someone else's part. Every individual has a moral duty not to violate your personal dignity but your government, in signing up to international agreements, has not just a moral duty but also a legal duty.

Question: Are human rights only a problem in non-democratic countries?

There is no country in the world that has a completely clean record on human rights, even today. There may be more frequent violations in some countries than others or they may affect a larger proportion of the population, but every single violation is a problem that ought not to have happened and that needs to be dealt with. An individual whose rights are violated in one of the established democracies is hardly likely to be comforted by the fact that, in general, their country has a "better" record on human rights than other countries in the world!

Question: Have we made any progress in reducing human rights violations?

Great progress – even if it sometimes seems a mere drop in the ocean. Consider the abolition of slavery, the vote for women, the countries that have abolished the death penalty, the freeing of prisoners of conscience as a result of international pressure, the collapse of the apartheid regime in South Africa, the cases that have been tried before the European Court and the laws that have had to be changed as a result. Consider the fact that the gradual change in international culture means that even the most authoritarian regimes now have to take human rights into consideration in order to be accepted on the international stage. There have been many positive results, particularly over the past 50 years, but a great deal more remains to be done.

human rights research questions

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Human Rights Law Research Paper Topics

Academic Writing Service

This page presents a comprehensive guide on human rights law research paper topics tailored for law students assigned with research paper tasks. The page aims to provide comprehensive guidance and resources to students studying law and assigned with research paper tasks in the field of human rights law. It presents a diverse range of research paper topics related to human rights law, covering ten distinct categories, each containing ten topics for exploration. Furthermore, the page includes an in-depth article on human rights law, tips on selecting compelling human rights law research paper topics, and guidelines for writing a successful research paper. The page also highlights the custom writing services offered by iResearchNet, tailored to meet students’ academic needs and requirements in the domain of human rights law.

100 Human Rights Law Research Paper Topics

In the realm of human rights law, the depth and breadth of research topics are vast, reflecting the complexities of the field and its dynamic nature. This comprehensive list of human rights law research paper topics spans ten categories, each presenting ten engaging and thought-provoking subjects for exploration. From international perspectives to domestic applications, these topics cover various dimensions of human rights law, shedding light on critical issues, ongoing challenges, and evolving debates. Whether students are interested in human rights advocacy, humanitarian law, discrimination, or constitutional protections, this list aims to inspire and equip them with the right tools to embark on their research journey.

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  • Freedom of Expression and Hate Speech Laws: Striking a Balance
  • The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age: Challenges and Protections
  • Religious Freedom and the Clash of Beliefs in Pluralistic Societies
  • LGBTQ+ Rights and the Pursuit of Equality: Legal Progress and Challenges
  • Racial Profiling and Discrimination: Addressing Systemic Biases
  • Women’s Rights and Gender Equality: Empowerment and Legal Reforms
  • The Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Inclusion and Accessibility
  • Juvenile Justice and Youth Rights: Restorative Approaches
  • The Right to Education: Ensuring Access and Quality
  • Combating Human Trafficking: Legal Frameworks and Anti-Trafficking Efforts
  • Universal Human Rights Declarations and International Enforcement
  • The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Promoting Human Rights
  • The United Nations Human Rights Council: Achievements and Limitations
  • International Criminal Court and the Pursuit of Accountability for Atrocities
  • The Impact of Customary International Law on Human Rights Norms
  • Regional Human Rights Systems: Advancing Rights Protection in Specific Areas
  • The Intersection of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law
  • Diplomacy and Human Rights: Balancing National Interests and Global Responsibilities
  • Economic Sanctions and Human Rights: Assessing Their Effectiveness and Consequences
  • The Responsibility to Protect: Sovereignty and Humanitarian Interventions
  • Income Inequality and Human Rights: Addressing Economic Disparities
  • Access to Healthcare as a Human Right: Equity and Universal Coverage
  • Housing Rights and Homelessness: Legal Strategies for Housing Security
  • Environmental Justice and Human Rights: Protecting Vulnerable Communities
  • Indigenous Rights and Land Restitution: Recognizing Past Injustices
  • The Impact of Armed Conflicts on Human Rights and Refugee Crisis
  • Discrimination and Marginalization of Minority Groups: Legal Responses
  • Labor Rights and Worker Protections: Fair Employment Practices
  • Human Rights and Access to Justice: Overcoming Barriers to Legal Remedies
  • Rights of Migrants and Refugees: Challenges in Migration Policies
  • Capital Punishment and Human Rights: Abolition and Alternatives
  • The Right to a Fair Trial: Legal Safeguards and Due Process
  • Prison Conditions and Human Rights: Rehabilitation vs. Punishment
  • Police Accountability and Use of Force: Balancing Public Safety and Rights
  • Juvenile Justice Reform: Rethinking Punishment for Young Offenders
  • Human Rights Implications of Cybercrime and Cybersecurity Measures
  • Counterterrorism Laws and Civil Liberties: Balancing Security and Rights
  • The Rights of Victims and Witness Protection in Criminal Proceedings
  • Criminalization of Drug Use and Human Rights: Health Approaches vs. Punitive Measures
  • Human Rights and the Right to Legal Representation: Ensuring Access to Counsel
  • Reproductive Rights and Women’s Health: Legal Battles and Access to Care
  • Mental Health Law and Human Rights: Balancing Autonomy and Protection
  • Access to Medicines and Patent Rights: Global Health Equity
  • Medical Ethics and Human Rights: Informed Consent and Research Ethics
  • LGBTQ+ Health Rights and Healthcare Disparities: Advocacy and Legal Reforms
  • Disability Rights and Healthcare Accessibility: Accommodations and Inclusion
  • The Right to Die with Dignity: Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia Laws
  • Human Rights Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Balancing Public Health and Liberties
  • Substance Use and Harm Reduction: Public Health Approaches and Legal Barriers
  • Health Rights of Refugees and Displaced Persons: Challenges in Providing Care
  • Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflicts: Legal Frameworks and Challenges
  • The Right to Seek Asylum: International Refugee Law and Responsibilities
  • War Crimes and International Justice: The Role of International Criminal Tribunals
  • Human Rights Implications of Autonomous Weapons and Military Technologies
  • The Role of Humanitarian Organizations in Conflict Zones: Safety and Access
  • The Responsibility to Protect: Preventing Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity
  • Human Rights and Internally Displaced Persons: Legal Recognition and Protections
  • The Impact of Armed Conflicts on Children’s Rights: Child Soldiers and Protection Measures
  • Gender-Based Violence in Armed Conflicts: Legal Responses and Accountability
  • Humanitarian Interventions and the Sovereignty Debate: Balancing Global Responsibility and Non-Interference
  • The Right to a Healthy Environment: Environmental Protections and Human Rights
  • Climate Change and Human Rights: Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
  • Indigenous Rights and Environmental Conservation: Balancing Preservation and Development
  • Environmental Justice and Communities of Color: Overcoming Environmental Racism
  • The Impact of Extractive Industries on Human Rights and Environmental Preservation
  • Biodiversity Conservation and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights: Conflict and Collaboration
  • The Right to Water and Sanitation: Access and Equity in Water Management
  • Land Rights and Environmental Protection: Balancing Development and Conservation
  • Environmental Impact Assessments and Human Rights: Ensuring Accountability and Participation
  • The Role of the International Court of Justice in Protecting Human Rights
  • The United Nations Human Rights Council and its Effectiveness in Promoting Rights
  • Human Rights in Regional Organizations: The European Court of Human Rights
  • The Role of International NGOs in Monitoring and Advocating for Human Rights
  • International Human Rights Mechanisms and State Compliance: Challenges and Achievements
  • The Role of Human Rights in International Trade Agreements and Economic Cooperation
  • Human Rights in Armed Conflict: The Geneva Conventions and Customary International Law
  • International Criminal Law and Prosecution of Human Rights Violations
  • The Role of the United Nations in Protecting Children’s Rights
  • Human Rights and Peacekeeping Operations: Balancing Security and Rights
  • Digital Privacy and Human Rights: Challenges in the Age of Big Data
  • The Right to Freedom of Expression in the Digital Era: Censorship and Online Speech
  • Human Rights Implications of Artificial Intelligence and Automation
  • Surveillance and Human Rights: Balancing Security and Privacy
  • The Right to Internet Access as a Human Right: Universal Connectivity and Digital Equity
  • Online Harassment and Cyberbullying: Legal Protections and Remedies
  • Data Protection and Human Rights: Ensuring Personal Information Security
  • Intellectual Property Rights and Access to Knowledge: Copyright and Cultural Rights
  • The Right to Information and Government Transparency: Open Data and Accountability
  • The Use of Drones in Armed Conflicts: Ethical and Legal Implications
  • The Role of Human Rights Activism in Advancing Social Change
  • The Intersectionality of Human Rights: Addressing Multiple Forms of Discrimination
  • Indigenous Rights Movements and Land Justice: Advocacy and Legal Strategies
  • The LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: Progress and Challenges in the Fight for Equality
  • Women’s Rights Movements and Legal Reforms: Empowerment and Gender Equality
  • Disability Rights Advocacy and the Fight for Inclusion and Accessibility
  • Youth-Led Movements for Climate Justice and Environmental Rights
  • The Black Lives Matter Movement and Police Accountability: Demanding Justice and Reform
  • Human Rights and Migrant Rights Movements: Standing for Justice and Dignity
  • Human Rights and Corporate Accountability: Advocating for Corporate Social Responsibility

The field of human rights law presents a dynamic landscape with a plethora of research paper topics that delve into critical social, political, and ethical issues. The ten categories presented here offer students a panoramic view of the diverse and interrelated areas within human rights law. As they embark on their research endeavors, students have the opportunity to explore the complexities and implications of human rights from various perspectives, both nationally and globally. The ever-evolving nature of human rights law ensures that this field will continue to inspire and challenge scholars, advocates, and policymakers in their pursuit of justice, equality, and human dignity. Whether it is advocating for marginalized communities, addressing humanitarian crises, or examining the intersection of technology and human rights, these topics will empower students to contribute meaningfully to the discourse and advancement of human rights principles worldwide. The journey of human rights research is both transformative and empowering, offering the potential to effect positive change in the lives of millions.

Human Rights Law: Exploring the Range of Topics

Human rights law is a dynamic and critical field that addresses the fundamental rights and freedoms inherent to all human beings. Rooted in the belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, human rights law seeks to protect and promote these rights, ensuring that all people can live in equality, freedom, and peace. As a multidimensional area of study, human rights law offers a wide range of research paper topics that delve into the complexities of international and domestic legal frameworks, the intersections between human rights and other fields of law, and the evolving challenges in safeguarding human rights in an ever-changing world.

  • The Universality and Cultural Relativism of Human Rights : The concept of human rights raises intriguing questions about the universality of rights versus the cultural relativism of values. Research papers in this category may explore the tensions between universal human rights norms and cultural practices, analyzing how cultural contexts can impact the interpretation and implementation of human rights.
  • Human Rights and Armed Conflicts : Armed conflicts present severe challenges to human rights, with civilian populations often suffering the most. Human rights law research paper topics in this area may focus on the protection of human rights during armed conflicts, including issues of war crimes, humanitarian law, and the role of international institutions in ensuring accountability for human rights violations.
  • Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights : Economic, social, and cultural rights are essential components of human rights law, emphasizing access to education, healthcare, housing, and social security. Research papers may analyze the legal frameworks and challenges in implementing these rights, especially in the context of poverty, inequality, and socio-economic development.
  • Human Rights and Refugees : The plight of refugees and asylum seekers is a pressing human rights issue worldwide. Research topics in this area may examine the legal protections and challenges faced by refugees, the role of international organizations in supporting displaced populations, and the impacts of immigration policies on human rights.
  • Human Rights and Discrimination : Discrimination on various grounds, such as race, gender, religion, and disability, continues to be a significant human rights concern. Research papers may explore legal frameworks and strategies to combat discrimination, including the role of affirmative action, equality laws, and anti-discrimination policies.
  • Freedom of Expression and Media Rights : Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of human rights law, and the media plays a crucial role in fostering democracy and accountability. Research topics in this category may delve into issues of media freedom, censorship, and the balance between free speech and hate speech.
  • Human Rights and Technology : Advancements in technology bring both opportunities and challenges to human rights protection. Research papers in this area may examine issues such as digital privacy, surveillance, artificial intelligence, and the right to access information in the digital age.
  • Human Rights and Health : Health is intricately linked to human rights, as access to healthcare is a fundamental right. Research topics may explore the right to health and the challenges in ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, especially in vulnerable populations.
  • Gender and Human Rights : Gender equality is a central theme in human rights law, and research papers in this category may focus on women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the intersections between gender and other human rights issues.
  • Human Rights and Business : The impact of business practices on human rights has become a significant area of concern. Research topics may explore corporate social responsibility, business and human rights initiatives, and the role of businesses in upholding human rights standards.

The realm of human rights law is vast and multifaceted, covering a wide array of topics and issues that demand critical examination and research. From armed conflicts to economic disparities, from refugees’ rights to media freedom, and from technology to health, the field of human rights law offers a rich landscape for exploration and advocacy. As students and scholars delve into these research paper topics, they engage in crucial discussions on human rights protection, social justice, and the promotion of dignity and equality for all. By striving for a deeper understanding of human rights and their complexities, we contribute to creating a more just, compassionate, and rights-respecting world. At iResearchNet, we are committed to supporting students in their academic pursuits by providing expert assistance and custom research paper writing services that adhere to the highest standards of quality and excellence. Together, let us explore the frontiers of human rights law and work towards a future where human rights are upheld and protected for every individual, without exception.

How to Choose a Human Rights Law Topic

Choosing a compelling and relevant research paper topic is a crucial step in the academic journey of students studying human rights law. As a multifaceted and evolving field, human rights law offers a vast array of topics to explore, each with its unique challenges and opportunities. However, the abundance of choices can also be overwhelming, leaving students unsure of where to begin. In this section, we will provide valuable insights and practical tips on how to select the most suitable and engaging human rights law research paper topics.

  • Identify Your Interests and Passions : The first step in choosing a research paper topic is to reflect on your personal interests and passions within the field of human rights law. What particular human rights issues resonate with you the most? Are you drawn to topics related to gender equality, access to healthcare, refugees’ rights, or freedom of expression? Identifying your interests will not only make the research process more enjoyable but also enable you to invest the necessary time and effort into producing a compelling and meaningful paper.
  • Conduct Preliminary Research : Before finalizing a research paper topic, it is essential to conduct preliminary research to gain a broader understanding of the current state of knowledge in the chosen area. Review academic journals, books, policy papers, and reports related to your potential topics. This preliminary research will not only help you refine your topic but also identify any gaps in the existing literature that you could address in your research.
  • Consider the Scope and Feasibility : While it may be tempting to choose a broad and ambitious topic, it is essential to consider the scope and feasibility of your research. A topic that is too broad may lack focus, while a topic that is too narrow may limit your ability to find sufficient research material. Strike a balance between a topic that is comprehensive enough to explore in-depth and one that is manageable within the scope of your research project.
  • Examine Current Debates and Controversies : Human rights law is often marked by ongoing debates and controversies surrounding certain issues. Exploring topics that are currently subject to heated discussions allows you to contribute to these debates and engage with cutting-edge research. Consider topics related to emerging challenges in human rights protection, the implications of new technologies on human rights, or the impact of global events on human rights law.
  • Consult with Professors and Peers : Seek guidance and feedback from your professors, advisors, and peers during the topic selection process. Discussing your ideas with knowledgeable individuals can provide valuable insights and help you refine your research focus. They can also suggest additional resources and research directions that you may not have considered.
  • Choose a Researchable and Original Topic : Select a research paper topic that is not only interesting but also researchable and original. Ensure that there is a sufficient amount of credible sources and data available for your chosen topic. Additionally, strive to bring a unique perspective or approach to your research to contribute new insights to the field of human rights law.
  • Stay Updated on Current Events : Human rights issues are dynamic and influenced by current events and global developments. Keep yourself updated on recent news, legal developments, and policy changes related to human rights. Monitoring current events will help you identify timely and relevant research paper topics that address real-world challenges.
  • Consider the Impact and Real-World Relevance : Choose a research paper topic that has practical significance and real-world relevance. Human rights law is not merely an academic exercise; it has a direct impact on the lives of individuals and communities worldwide. Consider topics that have the potential to contribute to positive change, promote human rights awareness, or address pressing human rights challenges.
  • Be Open to Flexibility and Adaptation : As you delve deeper into your research, be open to adapting and refining your research paper topic based on new insights and findings. Sometimes, the direction of your research may evolve, and being flexible in your approach allows you to produce a more nuanced and comprehensive paper.
  • Seek Inspiration from iResearchNet : At iResearchNet, we understand the significance of choosing the right research paper topic. Our team of expert writers and researchers is well-versed in various areas of human rights law and can provide valuable insights and inspiration to help you select the perfect topic for your research paper. With our assistance, you can embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, delving into the complexities and nuances of human rights law while making a meaningful contribution to the field.

Selecting a research paper topic in human rights law requires careful consideration and thoughtful reflection. By identifying your interests, conducting preliminary research, and staying updated on current events, you can choose a topic that is not only academically stimulating but also relevant and impactful. At iResearchNet, we are committed to supporting students in their academic pursuits by offering expert guidance and custom research paper writing services. Together, let us embark on a journey of academic excellence and advocacy, working towards a world where human rights are upheld and protected for all.

How to Write a Human Rights Law Research Paper

Writing a research paper in the field of human rights law requires careful planning, thorough research, and a clear understanding of the subject matter. As you embark on this academic endeavor, you will encounter various challenges and opportunities to delve deep into the complexities of human rights issues. In this section, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to write a compelling and impactful human rights law research paper.

  • Understand the Research Question : The first step in writing a research paper is to understand and define your research question. Your research question should be clear, focused, and specific, addressing a particular aspect of human rights law. It should guide your research and provide a framework for your paper.
  • Conduct In-Depth Research : Human rights law is a multidisciplinary field that draws on legal principles, international treaties, ethical considerations, and socio-political aspects. To write an authoritative research paper, conduct in-depth research from a variety of credible sources, including academic journals, legal databases, government publications, and reputable websites. Take notes and organize your findings to support your arguments effectively.
  • Create an Outline : Organize your research and ideas by creating a well-structured outline for your research paper. An outline helps you maintain a logical flow of information, ensuring that your paper is cohesive and coherent. Divide your paper into sections and subsections, each addressing a specific aspect of your research question.
  • Develop a Strong Thesis Statement : Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that summarizes the main argument of your research paper. Your thesis statement should convey the purpose of your paper and guide readers on what to expect throughout the document.
  • Introduction : Begin your research paper with an engaging introduction that provides background information on the human rights issue you are addressing. Introduce the significance of the topic, explain its relevance in the context of human rights law, and present your thesis statement.
  • Literature Review : Incorporate a literature review section in your research paper to discuss the existing body of knowledge on the topic. Analyze and critically evaluate relevant studies, theories, and legal cases related to your research question. Identify any gaps or inconsistencies in the literature that your research aims to address.
  • Methodology : If your research paper involves empirical research or data analysis, outline your methodology in this section. Describe the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques you used to obtain results. Explain how your chosen methodology aligns with your research question and contributes to the overall understanding of the human rights issue.
  • Analysis and Findings : Present your research findings and analyze the data in the context of your research question. Use evidence and examples from your research to support your arguments. Analyze the implications of your findings on the human rights issue and its potential impact on policies, laws, or practices.
  • Discussion : In the discussion section, interpret your research findings and relate them to the existing body of knowledge. Address any limitations or challenges encountered during your research and suggest avenues for further exploration.
  • Conclusion : Summarize the key points of your research paper in the conclusion section. Restate your thesis statement and highlight the main findings of your study. Discuss the implications of your research on human rights law and suggest potential areas for future research.
  • Citations and Referencing : Properly cite all the sources used in your research paper following the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Accurate referencing is essential to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.
  • Proofreading and Editing : Before submitting your research paper, thoroughly proofread and edit it to eliminate any grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies. Ensure that your paper adheres to the formatting and style guidelines provided by your instructor or academic institution.

Writing a human rights law research paper is a rewarding and intellectually stimulating experience. By understanding your research question, conducting in-depth research, and organizing your paper effectively, you can produce a compelling and impactful piece of academic work. Remember to stay focused on your thesis statement and support your arguments with credible evidence. At iResearchNet, we understand the challenges of writing a research paper and are here to support you with expert guidance and custom research paper writing services. Together, let us contribute to the advancement of human rights knowledge and advocate for a more just and equitable world.

iResearchNet’s Custom Research Paper Writing Services

At iResearchNet, we understand the significance of human rights law and its impact on shaping a just and equitable society. We recognize that students pursuing law studies often face various academic challenges, including the task of writing comprehensive and well-researched research papers on complex human rights issues. To support students in their academic journey and contribute to the advancement of human rights knowledge, we offer custom human rights law research paper writing services. Our team of expert degree-holding writers is dedicated to providing top-quality, customized solutions tailored to meet your specific research needs. With our comprehensive services, you can embark on a seamless and rewarding research paper writing experience.

  • Expert Degree-Holding Writers : At iResearchNet, we have a team of expert writers with advanced degrees in law and human rights-related fields. Our writers possess extensive knowledge of human rights principles, international treaties, and legal frameworks, enabling them to craft well-informed and insightful research papers.
  • Custom Written Works : We understand that each research paper is unique, and therefore, we offer fully custom-written papers designed to meet your specific requirements. Our writers conduct in-depth research on your chosen topic and tailor the paper to align with your research question and academic guidelines.
  • In-Depth Research : Our writers are adept at conducting comprehensive and in-depth research from a variety of credible sources, ensuring that your research paper is well-supported with evidence and examples.
  • Custom Formatting : We are well-versed in different citation styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard. Our writers meticulously follow the required formatting guidelines to ensure that your research paper adheres to the highest academic standards.
  • Top Quality : We prioritize quality and excellence in every research paper we deliver. Our team of skilled editors reviews each paper to ensure it is free from errors and adheres to academic standards.
  • Customized Solutions : We recognize that human rights law encompasses a wide range of topics and issues. Our custom writing services allow you to choose your preferred research topic and specify any particular requirements you have for the paper.
  • Flexible Pricing : We offer flexible pricing options to accommodate students’ varying budgetary constraints. Our pricing is competitive, and we provide transparent cost estimates upfront.
  • Short Deadlines : We understand the pressures of tight deadlines and offer expedited services to cater to urgent research paper writing needs. Our writers are capable of delivering high-quality papers within short timeframes, even as little as 3 hours.
  • Timely Delivery : Punctuality is one of our core values. We are committed to delivering your research paper within the agreed-upon deadline, allowing you ample time for review and submission.
  • 24/7 Support : Our customer support team is available 24/7 to address any inquiries, concerns, or updates regarding your research paper. Feel free to reach out to us at any time for prompt assistance.
  • Absolute Privacy : At iResearchNet, we prioritize your privacy and confidentiality. All your personal information and research paper details are handled with the utmost confidentiality and stored securely.
  • Easy Order Tracking : Stay updated on the progress of your research paper with our easy-to-use order tracking system. You can monitor the status of your paper and communicate directly with your assigned writer.
  • Money Back Guarantee : We are committed to customer satisfaction. If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with the final research paper, we offer a money-back guarantee to ensure your peace of mind.

With iResearchNet’s custom human rights law research paper writing services, you can unlock the full potential of your academic journey. Our team of expert writers is here to support you in exploring the complexities of human rights law and contributing to the advancement of this critical field. Whether you need assistance in choosing a research topic, conducting in-depth research, or crafting a well-structured paper, we are here to assist you every step of the way. Empower your human rights law research with iResearchNet and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Empower Your Human Rights Law Research with iResearchNet

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey into the realm of human rights law research? iResearchNet is your trusted partner in this noble pursuit. Our commitment to excellence, dedication to academic integrity, and passion for advancing human rights knowledge make us the perfect choice for all your research paper needs.

Empower your human rights law research and make a meaningful impact on the world with iResearchNet. Our custom research paper writing services are designed to support you in your academic journey and contribute to the advancement of human rights knowledge. Take the first step towards a brighter future and place your order today!

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100s of Free Human Rights Law Dissertation Topics and Titles

Published by Grace Graffin at January 6th, 2023 , Revised On May 17, 2024

Introduction

Writing a dissertation is a long process that requires good research skills and decent expertise in the field. Depending on the researcher’s university’s academic requirements, some different prerequisites and requirements should be fulfilled before writing the dissertation (thesis).

For instance, the supervisor may ask the researcher to provide a dissertation proposal with topics based on current legal trends. Once the dissertation topic is approved, the researcher will have to provide the supervisor with the research aim and problem statement alongside a good methodology .

Human Rights Law Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: how the social rights of immigrants are protected under international human rights law: a primary investigation in the uk.

Research Aim: The research will aim to investigate the protection of the social rights of immigrants given in international law in the UK. Many human rights contracts clearly forbid discrimination centred on state origin and want states to guarantee that immigrants’ human rights are treated equally. Moreover, immigrants, like other particularly vulnerable groups, have been granted additional safeguards under international law to address situations in which their rights are most in danger, such as employment. The research will focus on the immigrants and their social rights in the UK.

Topic 2: The role of social media apps in spreading awareness among youth about human right

Research Aim: The research will aim to explore the part social media plays in spreading awareness of human rights among the young. In today’s world, people use social media more than reading newspapers, and social media has also helped many people get justice. Young or old, every age group is active on social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc., and these apps have brought a new way to learn things. So, this study will specifically focus on social media apps and how they are contributing in spreading awareness about human rights among people.

Topic 3: What obstacles do international human rights policies encounter in terms of implementation? An academic review

Research Aim: The research will aim to investigate the challenges and problems international human rights face during implementation.  There are many factors that make it difficult to implement the policies in a country or an organisation. There should be solutions to the problems and challenges in the implementation of international human rights. This study will explore and explain the challenges and try to give solutions to tackle the challenges.

Topic 4: How are the rights of men being violated in the society? A human right perspective

Research Aim: The research aims to find the reason men’s rights are violated in society. Men’s rights are violated in society more often now. Men also get raped, beaten, killed without anyone questioning the abuser. Even after getting hit by a woman, people blame the man. Violence against males is a severe violation of human rights. The government’s role is to guard males from abuse, including domestic violence.

Topic 5: Define the rights to ethics, religion and life in the context of human rights law in US

Research Aim: The research will aim to define the basic human rights to culture, religion and life in the human rights law in the US. The research will explain the fundamental rights given to human beings, freedom of speech, and a thorough explanation of the human rights law article. The study will also describe the acts that violate fundamental human rights.

Topic 6: Investigating the impact of nationalist movements and ideologies on the rights of religious and ethnic minorities in India

Research Aim: The study investigates how nationalist movements and ideologies impact the rights of religious and ethnic minorities in India. It will also assess the role of governments in promoting or suppressing minority rights in such contexts.

Topic 7: Examining the rights and legal status of stateless persons who are forced to flee their countries of origin

Research Aim: The study aims to examine the rights and legal status of stateless persons who are forced to flee their countries of origin. This research will focus on the challenges they face in accessing protection and assistance in the absence of citizenship.

Topic 8: Investigating the tension between national security concerns and the protection of refugee rights

This research explores the tension between national security concerns and the protection of refugee rights. It discusses the context of border control policies, immigration detention, and anti-terrorism measures.

COVID-19 Human Rights Law Research Topics

Impacts of coronavirus on human rights.

Research Aim: This study will highlight the impacts of Coronavirus on human rights.

International human rights law and COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will address the current pandemic crisis and international human rights law status in response to COVID-19.

United Nations on human rights during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will review the United Nations’ response to human rights for protecting human health and rights during COVID-19.

The role of National Human Rights Institutions during COVId-19

Research Aim: This study will highlight the role of National Human Rights Institutions during COVID-19.

Dissertation Topics in Human Rights Law and Society

Human Rights is an important area of the law inherent to all human beings, regardless of their race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, and other status forms. Human Rights can be seen as the most significant law area that has taken place since the end of the Second World War.

According to Rehman, even though the world has evolved over the years, human rights continue to be constrained and limited. Research in this particular area of the law is important to know its weaknesses and limitations in the 21st century.

This document contains a wide range of dissertation topics based on the area of Human Rights or Fundamental Rights. These topics provided by our PhD-qualified writers are based on the current legal trends, which tend to assess different topics related to Human Rights in the 21st Century.

Most of the themes provided have never been researched before, and a desk-based or comparative analysis approach is used to provide a meaningful contribution to human rights.

Some topics are aimed at the thesis, which should implement an international aspect of Human Rights. On the other hand, the other topics are focused on specific jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom or the European Union.

You can also start your dissertation by requesting a brief research proposal from our writers on any of these topics, including an introduction to the topic, research question , aim and objectives, literature review , and the proposed research methodology to be conducted. Let us know if you need any help in getting started.

Check our dissertation example to get an idea of how to structure your dissertation .

Review the step-by-step guide on how to write your own dissertation here .

Topic 1: An assessment of life imprisonment under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Research Aim: The research will be based on fundamental rights, more specifically on the European Convention on Human Rights. The research will use a desk-based approach to assess Article 3 of the ECHR, which prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment. The research critically assesses how the EU Member States deal with life imprisonment based on their domestic legislation.

Topic 2: Should prisoners be allowed to exercise their right to vote in a democratic society?

Research Aim: Disfranchisement is known as the revocation of the fundamental right to vote in a democratic society. The research will assess if there is a need to make the right to vote a basic fundamental right that can be exercised by prisoners. The research will use be a comparative assessment based on different jurisdictions.

Topic 3: The European Court Of Human Rights and its effectiveness amongst the EU member states

Research Aim: The research will assess the role of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in safeguarding the rights of EU Citizens. The research will evaluate the EU Supremacy and its authority over the EU Member States regarding human rights. In this line, the research will demonstrate how The ECtHR should balance the EU Law’s fundamental rights and the Member State’s Constitution on fundamental rights.

Topic 4: The link between human rights and same-sex marriage

Research Aim: The Universal Declaration on Human Rights recognises same-sex marriage as a basic right to marriage. However, it can be seen that most countries do not recognise this right. The research will assess different jurisdictions where same-sex marriage is considered legal to enforce this right amongst the signatory countries.

Topic 5: Assessment of human rights in the workplace

Research Aim: Basic Human Rights, such as protection from slavery or inhuman treatment, are available under the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. However, the research will assess human rights’ employment, such as fair treatment, equal pay, and minimum wage. The research will use a comparative analysis to evaluate how different jurisdictions view human rights regarding employment.

Topic 6: The right to life and death penalty in the 21st century

Research Aim: The fundamental right to life is enshrined under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On the other hand, the death penalty seems to be against the right to life and the protection of life preservation. The research will assess how to strike a balance between the right to life and capital punishment.

Topic 7: Should the death penalty be reinstated in the United Kingdom post-Brexit?

Research Aim: The 13th Protocol of the European Convention on Human Rights has prohibited the restoration of the United Kingdom’s death penalty since 2004. The research will assess if the United Kingdom should reinstate the death penalty after Brexit. Since the United Kingdom will leave the European Union, it will no longer be a party to the convention and will be able to reinstate the death penalty.

Topic 8: Social media and the right to hold an opinion

Research Aim: The research will assess if the current Freedom of Speech and the Right to hold an opinion is adequate to be used online. The research will demonstrate a need to reform the Universal Declaration on Human Rights for online use.

Topic 9: Should Article 14 of the Human Rights Act 1998 be amended to implement more protected characteristics?

Research Aim: Article 14 of the Human Rights 1998 has a minimal number of protected characteristics. Following Brexit, the United Kingdom nationals may lose the protection of the European Convention on Human Rights. In this line, the research will assess whether there is a need to review Article 14 of the Human Rights Act 1998.

Topic 10: Should Human Rights be ignored when taking counter-terrorism measures?

Research Aim: The research will assess if Human Rights should be overlooked when dealing with counter-terrorism measures. The research will aim to demonstrate if there is a need to protect a presumed or prospective terrorist’s basic human rights.

Topic 11: The EU Supremacy and the Constitutional Rights of the Member States

Research Aim: The EU Supremacy imposes authority and control over the EU Member States. In this line, a Member State should remove all conflicting laws that are incompatible with the EU Law. The research will assess the extent to which Member States have accepted the authority of the EU supremacy regarding human rights. In other words, the research will demonstrate if the European Convention on Human Rights has adequate fundamental rights for the Member States.

Topic 12: The importance of Human Rights in a democratic society

Research Aim: The research will assess the importance of human rights, which is a pivotal requirement for democracy. The research will use a comparative analysis of how fundamental rights have been adopted around the world. Furthermore, the research will assess how certain countries that do not follow the Universal Declaration on Human Rights may suffer from the lack of democratisation.

Topic 13: The role of courts in safeguarding fundamental rights in their domestic jurisdiction

Research Aim: The research will demonstrate the courts’ key role in safeguarding the fundamental rights enshrined in a country’s Constitution.

Topic 14: Does the General Data Protection Regulation Act as a Safeguard to the Basic Right To Privacy?

Research Aim: The research will assess the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and its safeguards regarding the right to privacy. The research demonstrates how the GDPR can have an important human rights aspect, such as when dealing with a consumer or an online user.

Topic 15: Should Countries Implement A Constitutional Court for Fundamental Rights Breaches?

Research Aim: The research will assess how each country deals with breaches of fundamental rights. The research aims to provide recommendations in implementing a higher domestic authority to treat only constitutional matters like the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

Topic 16: Can Torture Be Justified Under Human Rights?

Research Aim: Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that no individual shall be subjected to torture. The research will assess whether torture can ever be justified under the law. For instance, the research will aim to demonstrate whether there are justifiable grounds to inflict torture on criminals in certain cases such as terrorism with the view of getting confessions.

Topic 17: CCTV Surveillance and the Right to Privacy

Research Aim: The Research will assess the use of CCTV surveillance and its effect on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The research will demonstrate if covert surveillance can either undermine or positively affect the right to privacy. The research will further critically analyse the right to privacy against public policy for the common good.

Topic 18: The Need to Standardise Disability Rights around the World

Research Aim: The Research compares and contrasts different disability rights under certain jurisdictions. The research will assess whether there is a need to standardise disability rights under one convention or treaty.

Topic 19: Should the Right to Education Be Extended to Tertiary Education

Research Aim: The research will access the right to education as found under Article 26 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The right to education applies to only fundamental stages of education, such as primary and secondary education. The research will aim to demonstrate if the right to education should be extended to tertiary education.

Topic 20: The Role of Legislators and the Right to Education in the Sub-Saharan Region

Research Aim: The research will assess legislators’ role with regard to the right to education. The research will demonstrate whether Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 (SDG4) is implemented in various sub-Saharan regions. The research will prove whether legislators are implementing appropriate safeguards to remain in line with SDG4 and promote quality education.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service , which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

List of the Best Human Rights Law Dissertation Topics in Critical Issues

  • An analysis of the link between human trafficking and armed conflict: trafficking for sexual exploitation and forced recruitment of child soldiers.
  • The impact of technology on the protection of human rights in the digital age.
  • Exploring the role of international criminal law in prosecuting human rights violations.
  • The effectiveness of regional human rights mechanisms in addressing human rights abuses.
  • Analysing the relationship between environmental law and human rights protection.
  • Investigating the challenges and opportunities of implementing economic, social, and cultural rights.
  • Examining the intersection of gender equality and human rights law.
  • Assessing the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in advancing human rights agendas.
  • The implications of counter-terrorism measures on human rights and civil liberties.

Important Notes:

As a human rights law student looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing human rights law theories – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

The field of human rights law is vast and interrelated to so many other academic disciplines like law , business law , cybercrime , and more. That is why it is imperative to create a human rights law dissertation topic that is particular and sound and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic based on your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong: your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation , as you may end up in a cycle of rejection at the initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best human rights law dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalising your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please look at some of our sample human rights law dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure Your Human Rights Law Dissertation

A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.

  • A Title Page
  • Acknowledgements
  • Declaration
  • Abstract: A summary of the research completed
  • Table of Contents
  • Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
  • Literature Review : This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature on the chosen research topic to address research questions . The purpose is to highlight and discuss the selected research area’s relative weaknesses and strengths whilst identifying any research gaps. Break down the topic and key terms that can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
  • Methodology : The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes research desig n, research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and data analysis strategy .
  • Findings and Analysis : The findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs, charts, and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
  • Discussion and Conclusion : The researcher presents his interpretation of the results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section of the paper is to link the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regard to the implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
  • References : This should be completed following your University’s requirements
  • Bibliography
  • Appendices : Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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CSIS Human Rights Initiative undertakes research and analysis on the critical role that human rights and democratic values play in a comprehensive and sustainable foreign policy.

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Brief by Christopher Hernandez-Roy and Juliana Rubio — September 19, 2024

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A Feminist Analysis of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in The Gambia's Transitional Justice Journey

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A Question of Staying Power: Is the Maduro Regime’s Repression Sustainable?

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Join the CSIS Americas Program for a discussion on the urgent crisis of gender-based violence facing Haiti.

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Please join the Impossible State live podcast for a special discussion on Victor Cha's new book, The Black Box: Demystifying the Study of Korean Unification and North Korea.

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An audio version of “A Feminist Analysis of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in The Gambia's Transitional Justice Journey,” a new commentary by CSIS’s Awa Gai. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Audio Briefs

An audio version of “Preserving The Gambia’s FGM Law Is Only the Start,” a new commentary by CSIS’s Awa Gai and Fadima Tall. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

An audio version of “A Question of Staying Power: Is the Maduro Regime’s Repression Sustainable?,” a new commentary by CSIS’s Ryan C. Berg and Christopher Hernandez-Roy. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Amidst Gambia’s transition to democracy, a feminist analysis charts a path for justice and accountability, centering the experiences of women who suffered sexual and gender-based violence under the former dictatorship.

Photo: ROMAIN CHANSON/AFP via Getty Images

The Gambia’s recent affirmation of its law against female genital mutilation is only the first step in ensuring that the rights of women and girls are protected. It is imperative that efforts are redirected towards sensitization and comprehensive implementation of the law.

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CSIS Americas Program director Ryan C. Berg and deputy director and senior fellow Christopher Hernandez-Roy look at mass protests against the stolen election in Venezuela and argue the Maduro regime may not be able to repress its way out of the current crisis.

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Human Rights

Introduction, human rights resources at nyu, human rights watch - united states rss feed, related research guides, twitter #humanrights feed.

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Welcome to the Human Rights Research Guide! Human rights is a multidisciplinary subject and research in human rights often requires consultation across disciplinary and methodological grounds. This guide focuses on providing useful resources for accessing various types of information (e.g. legal documents, data, scholarly articles) related to human rights research. For help with subject-specific research questions, please consult our other research guides or reach out to one of our subject librarians for a consultation . See the box below for a quick overview of the pages in this guide.

Eleanor Roosevelt holding a copy of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

Eleanor Roosevelt holding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 

adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948. 

Alt text: Eleanor Roosevelt dressed in a dark dress holding a poster size copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

This guide is intended to help you conduct research in the interdisciplinary study of human rights. 

On this page, you can find some of the resources available at NYU New York related to human rights. 

As you move through the tabs of this guide you will find resources for locating various types of information:

  • Finding Books & E-Books  for academic books and reference sources on human rights topics.
  • Newspaper & Scholarly Articles  for relevant article databases and news sources.
  • Finding Key Documents  to learn more about the types of international documentation related to human rights and how to find it.
  • Data Sources  for help finding datasets related to human rights issues. 
  • United Nations  for a breakdown of human rights-related agencies in the UN and how to find their resources
  • NGOs, Charities, and Non-Profits  for organizations that maintain publicly available documentation on human rights issues.  
  • Video, Image & Archival Collections for primary source and archival materials (e.g. photos, personal testimonies, video, etc.).

While many of the resources linked in this guide are free and available to the public, some are only available to NYU-users. These resources will be marked with the notice  NYU-only.

  • Center for Human Rights and Global Justice The Center (at NYU School of Law) is a community resource for news, scholarship, and professional and academic opportunities related to human rights.
  • Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Archive Finding Aids Search these archives for collections related to human rights.
  • United Nations and International Documents The United Nations and International Documents Collection at Bobst Library is a full depository for UN documents since 1949.

Here are more  Human Rights Watch feeds  you can follow.

  • International Relations by Aruna Magier Pulipaka Last Updated Sep 14, 2024 3865 views this year
  • Public Policy & Administration by Carol Choi Last Updated Sep 19, 2024 1230 views this year
  • Gender and Sexuality Studies by Jill Conte Last Updated Sep 17, 2024 5940 views this year

This guide serves as an overview of human rights resources and can be of use to anyone. It was created with the advisement of Laila Hussein Moustafa at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

  • Next: Finding Books & E-Books >>
  • Last Updated: Sep 12, 2024 1:44 AM
  • URL: https://guides.nyu.edu/humanrights

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Human Rights

Data & statistics, legal research, think tank search, organizations, human trafficking, other research guides.

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Getting Started

  • Oxford Handbooks Online (Harvard Login) Review essays that evaluate the current thinking on a field or topic, and make an original argument about the future direction of the debate. Contains several reviews of human rights topics.
  • Oxford Bibliographies Online (Harvard Login) Selective, discipline-focused, online guides to the essential literature in subjects in the humanities and social sciences.
  • Encyclopedia of Human Rights (Harvard Login) Online access to award winning, five-volume encyclopedia offering comprehensive coverage of all aspects of human rights theory, practice, law, and history.
  • Oxford Public International Law (Harvard Login) A comprehensive, single location providing integrated access to international law resources. Includes Max Planck Encyclopedia of Public International Law and Oxford Reports on International Law.
  • Brill Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (Harvard Login) E-books on human rights, humanitarian and international public law.

E-Books, Articles and Other Publications

  • Proquest Social Sciences Premium Collection (Harvard Login) Database collection covering the social sciences including politics, sociology, education and criminal justice. Includes Public Affairs Information Service (PAIS).
  • Index to Legal Periodicals and Books (Harvard Login) Provides citations to articles in law reviews, bar association journals, yearbooks, institutes, and government publications from 1980 to present.

Human Rights Libraries

  • HeinOnline Foreign & International Law Resources (Harvard Login) Access to key publications from the American Society of International Law and human rights yearbooks from around the world. Includes international tribunals and judicial decisions.
  • CIRI Human Rights Data Project Provides data on human rights violations for 202 countries, annually over the period 1981-2011.
  • Freedom in the World Annual flagship publication which surveys and rates 195 countries and 15 related and disputed territories by human rights criteria.
  • Humanitarian Data Exchange An open platform for sharing humanitarian data with data from over 80 organizations including governments, NGOs and UN agencies.
  • Minorities at Risk (MAR) Project Provides information on the status and conflicts of more than 283 politically-active ethnic groups in all countries with a current population of at least 500,000
  • WomenStats Compiles qualitative and quantitative information on over 310 indicators of women's status in 174 countries. Free registration is required.
  • AidData Searchable, open access database of nearly one million past and present aid activities around the world, and data tools to increase understanding of development finance.
  • Financial Tracking Service Managed by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, this global, real-time database which tracks all reported international humanitarian aid including that for NGOs and the Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement, bilateral aid, in-kind aid, and private donations.

Law Journal Databases

  • HeinOnline Foreign & International Law Resources (Harvard Login) Provides full-text access to publications from the American Society of International Law and human rights yearbooks from around the world, as well as the Hague Permanent Court of International Justice series and other useful materials.

International Law Reference Resources

  • Max Planck Encyclopedia of Public International Law (MPEPIL) (Harvard Login) Online reference work for basic information about international human rights cases and issues. Click on Subject to search by key topics in human rights.
  • Collected Courses of the Hague Academy of International Law (Harvard Login) Focus on international law subjects, including legislation and case law. Includes volumes on Limits of Force, Torture and the Geneva Conventions. Published in English or French.

Legislation

  • Legislationonline.org "Provides direct access to international norms and standards relating to specific human dimension issues, as well as to domestic legislation and other documents of relevance to these issues." Includes full text access for legislation from both Western and Eastern European countries.
  • Proquest Congressional (Harvard Login) Access bills, legislative history, congressional documents of the United States back to 1789 and CRS Reports.

International Courts

  • International Court of Justice (ICJ) The principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). The ICJ settles disputes between the States (not individuals).
  • International Criminal Court (ICC) The first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court for perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. The ICC is an independent international organization, and is not part of the United Nations system.
  • International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) The United Nations court of law dealing with war crimes that took place during the conflicts in the Balkans in the 1990’s.
  • ESCR Case Law Database Positive domestic, regional and international legal decisions from around the world regarding economic, social and cultural rights. Case summaries primarily in English and Spanish, with a growing number in French and Arabic.
  • Child Rights International Network (CHRIN) Includes data, reports, and global coverage of child rights cases.
  • Sexual Right Initiative, Law & Policy Database Documents and compares the status of law and policy related to sexual rights issues in different countries around the world

Search using Google conventions (i.e. putting quotation marks around phrases).

Inclusion Policy

Think Tank Search  searches the websites of institutions that generate public policy research, analysis, and activity. These sites are  affiliated with universities, governments, advocacy groups, foundations, and non-governmental organizations .  Inclusion is based upon the relevancy of subject area to HKS coursework and scholarship, the availability of the think tank’s research in full-text on the website, and the think tank’s reputation and influence upon policy making. The list represents a mixture of partisan and non-partisan think tanks.

Other Lists

  • Policy File Index (Harvard Login) Abstracts of and links to domestic and international public policy issue published by think tanks, university research programs, & research organizations.
  • Policy Commons: Global Think Tanks Collection of research from the world’s leading policy experts, think tanks, IGOs and NGOs. At last count it contains over 3 million publications from more than 24,000 organizations.
  • Open Research Reports from JSTOR More than 39,000 research reports from over 140 policy institutes around the world are freely accessible to everyone on JSTOR. The open research reports are discoverable alongside journals, books, and primary sources, and are clearly labeled as their own content type.
  • Find Policy A side project of Transparify, search think tank sites grouped by topic and location.
  • Open Think Tank Directory A global collection of 2700 think tanks and related organisations.

Repository of think tank publications on EU affairs from the Library of the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU.

  • UN Documentation: Human Rights Guide Research Guides on locating UN documents for human rights research. Authored by the UN Library.
  • UN Watch A non-governmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, whose mandate is to monitor the performance of the United Nations.

Government & Agencies

  • US Department of State's Human Rights Reports These reports from the U.S. Department of State cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
  • EU Agency for Fundamental Rights An EU agency with the task of providing independent, evidence-based advice on fundamental rights. This group issues a number of papers and reports on topics relating to human rights issues in the EU.
  • Brill Human Rights Documents (Harvard Login) Database of documents from hundreds of non-governmental human rights organizations. Covers 1980s - present.
  • Amnesty International, Annual Reports Searchable website for human rights information by topic or by country. Includes comprehensive annual reports.
  • Freedom House Includes reports and annual scores of civil and political rights for most countries
  • State of the World's Children Produced by UNICEF, this annual report includes downloadable statistical tables that can be customized.
  • Human Rights Watch, World Report Annual report published by Human Rights Watch. Reports provide information on human rights conditions in more than 90 countries. Includes archive of reports from 1989 to present.
  • Refugees International Advocating for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises. Includes in depth reports on displacement issues in specific countries and regions.
  • Norweigian Refugee Council, Publications Includes, news, reports, evaluations on displaced and vulnerable people in crisis.

UN Agencies

Several UN agencies research, collect and publish information on human trafficking issues. Below are listed the major UN agencies that focus on this issue.

  • UN, Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Human Trafficking Knowledge Portal Disseminates information regarding the implementation of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and specifically the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Includes a case law database on officially documented instances of trafficking and searchable legislation database.
  • Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) The United Nations office with primary responsibility for promoting and protecting Human Rights. The Office's Special Rapportuer on Human Trafficking produces annual reports and other reports and recommendations
  • International Labour Organization Brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers to jointly shape policies and programs relating to labor issues. Reports and data on human trafficking, which includes sex trafficking as a subset by country and geographic region. Use search terms like forced labour in the search box.

US Government Agencies

  • US Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report Annual report summarizing trafficking issues by Country including data, analysis and policy recommendations. Countries are assigned one of three tiers based on the extent of their governments’ efforts to comply with the “minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.”

Non-Governmental Organizations

  • Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Includes news stories and reports on human trafficking in East and West European countries.
  • Polaris Project A leading advocacy group for ending human trafficking. The organization advocates for stronger laws against human trafficking organizations and provide services to victims of trafficking.

Harvard Kennedy School

  • Carr Center, Violence Against Women Publications Database Curated by staff at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, this database provides access to hundreds of articles, research papers, presentations, news and other resources relevant to the topic of Violence Against Women (VAW).
  • GenderWatch (Harvard Login) Provides abstracts and the full text of some 175 academic and scholarly journals, magazines, newspapers, newsletters, regional publications, books, booklets and pamphlets, conference proceedings, and government, non-governmental organization, and special reports.
  • World Bank, Gender Data Portal Statistics by country and topic. Includes useful links for more data sources.
  • Harvard Law Library, Research Guides Authored by Harvard Law Librarians, select the Human Rights and International Law categories to find a variety of specialized research guides on related topics.
  • Last Updated: Jul 19, 2023 4:59 PM
  • URL: https://guides.library.harvard.edu/hks/human_rights

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Publication

Human rights: questions and answers

0000185034

First published in 1981, it has been updated several times and translated into over 30 languages. This revised edition reflects substantial recent developments in the field of human rights. The publication is one of UNESCO’s contributions to the International Year of Human Rights Learning (2009) and the World Programme for Human Rights Education, launched in 2005. It is a useful guide for anyone interested in the subject and aims to contribute to a universal culture of human rights.

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Selecting a Topic

Human rights research guide — selecting a topic.

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Selecting a Topic: Quick Tips Interest. If possible, choose a topic that interests you!  You'll be spending lots of time and energy on your project, and there's more chance you'll do a good job if it's something you want to know more about. Scope.  Make your topic manageable!  Avoid choosing a topic that is too broad or too narrow.  If it is too broad, you will be overwhelmed with too much information.  If it is too narrow, specialized, new, or limited in appear, you may not find enough information. Time.  Choose a project that can be finished in the time you have!  You will run into delays - you'll need to borrow items from other libraries through Interlibrary Services; to recall a book; to visit other libraries, etc.  Plan for enough time to read the material and think about it before writing your paper.  It is important to find information.  More important?  They way you use it. Clarity.  Be clear about the topics you're searching.  A topic often does need to be adjusted as the information is gathered, but you should always know what topic you are searching.  Not having a clear idea of what you are looking for can cause you to get off track and waste valuable time.

Finding a Topic

These library databases and Web sites present issues and topics that may be useful when forming your own research topic.

  • CQ Researcher In-depth, unbiased coverage of health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology, and the economy.
  • Issues & Controversies Summarizes current issues and controversies in political, economic, social and scientific topics.
  • AllSides Non-partisan, crowd-sourced technology shows all sides so you can decide.
  • ProCon.org ProCon.org is a non-profit public charity. They research controversial and important issues, and present them in a balanced, comprehensive, straightforward, and primarily pro-con format.
  • Pew Research Center Nonpartisan fact tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research.
  • Times Topics A thorough collection of topics from the 'New York Times.' Each topic includes news, reference and archival information, photos, graphics, audio and video files published.

human rights research questions

Check out our Get Started guide in Research Now! for more help with

  • Background Research . Doing background research to explore your initial topic can help you to find create a focused research question
  • Initial Searching. Where are some good places to start, especially if you don't know anything (or very little) about your topic?
  • Forming a Research Question. Writing out your research question will help you articulate the direction of your research
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  • Last Updated: Aug 29, 2024 11:41 AM
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Georgetown Law

Library electronic resources outage May 29th and 30th

Between 9:00 PM EST on Saturday, May 29th and 9:00 PM EST on Sunday, May 30th users will not be able to access resources through the Law Library’s Catalog, the Law Library’s Database List, the Law Library’s Frequently Used Databases List, or the Law Library’s Research Guides. Users can still access databases that require an individual user account (ex. Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law), or databases listed on the Main Library’s A-Z Database List.

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Human Rights Law Research Guide

Introduction.

  • Secondary Sources: Treatises & Books
  • Secondary Sources: Journal Articles
  • The Core International Human Rights Instruments
  • Additional International Human Rights Instruments
  • Status of Human Rights Treaties
  • UN Charter Bodies
  • UN Treaty Bodies
  • The Americas
  • National Laws Protecting Human Rights
  • Multi-Institutional & Multi-Jurisdictional Sources
  • Regional Commissions & Tribunals
  • National (Domestic) Courts
  • Human Rights Case Law by Subject
  • Country Monitoring Reports
  • Women's Human Rights Resources
  • IGO and NGO Resources
  • Other Research Guides & Update History

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Since the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the body of international human rights instruments has grown significantly.  As a result, researchers often struggle to navigate a bewildering array of international treaties, country-specific monitoring reports, judicial decisions issued by regional tribunals and by national courts, and related documentation.

This guide is designed to help researchers identify relevant secondary sources on human rights law and to quickly and efficiently locate the full texts of primary law materials, including treaties, country reports, and case law.  While resources of general interest to all human rights researchers are highlighted throughout the guide, special attention is paid to resources that specifically address the  human rights of women at the international level .

Key Resources for Human Rights Law Research

  • UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) The OHCHR's website provides access to a wealth of documentation, including the core human rights treaties , links to the treaty bodies that monitor compliance with these treaties, other international human rights instruments , a directory of human rights information by country , and a directory of human rights databases .  
  • Oxford Reports on International Law This subscription database includes more than 4,000 judicial decisions on human rights topics issued by international and regional tribunals and by national courts.  Begin by selecting “human rights” from the Subject menu in the blue navigation bar.  Then search by keyword or use the filters on the left to narrow.  
  • RefWorld Although it focuses on refugee and asylum law, this UN database also includes materials that address many related human rights topics.  To search the database, enter words or phrases in the search box.  Then use the post-search filters, displayed to the left of the search results, to narrow.  Alternatively, you can browse by country , by document source , by document type , by keyword , and by thematic area .  It also possible to browse by collection .  Collections include legal instruments , case law , policy & guidance , and research & reports .   

Research Assistance & Help with Related Topics

If you need assistance with human rights law research, visit the Research Help page of the Georgetown University Law Library's website. Or contact the Law Library's International and Foreign Law Department by phone (202-662-4195) or by email ( [email protected] ).  Georgetown Law Center students may schedule a one-on-one research consultation with a librarian.

For guidance in researching topics related to human rights law, consult the following Georgetown Law Library resources:  CALS Asylum Case Research Guide , the Treaty Research Guide , and the War Crimes Research Guide .

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199 Human Rights Essay Topics & Examples

Human rights, the foundational pillars of a just society, go far beyond governments and cultures. In this collection of human rights research topics, explore the multifaceted dimensions of human rights, from historical struggles to contemporary debates. Try to understand the profound impact of human rights on societies and the pursuit of a better future.

⚖️ TOP 7 Human Rights Topics

🏆 best human rights essay topics, 🎓 interesting human rights research topics, 👍 human rights essay examples, 🔥 hot human rights topics to write about, 💡 simple titles for a human rights essay, 📌 easy human rights topics, ❓ more human rights topics for research paper.

  • The Right to Healthcare as a Basic Human Right
  • Privacy as a Basic Human Right
  • Human Rights: Historical and Conceptual Evolution
  • Human Rights Role in International Relations
  • The Nature of Human Rights
  • Responsibility of Mltinational Corporations in the Field of Human Rights
  • Human Rights and Gender Issues: “The Love Suicides at Amijima” & “Tale of Kieu”
  • Human Rights and Feminist Perspectives in Social Work This paper aims to review the main principles of human rights in order to understand the connections between the narratives of human rights and feminism.
  • Universal Conception of Human Rights and Its Challenges Human rights are intercontinental customs, which dictate and determine how different countries handle their citizens and residents.
  • Human Rights Violation in the World This report looks at the human cost in Syria and other nations, with a close focus on the violation of the right to life. The paper promotes the protection of the right to life for humans.
  • Human Rights in Contemporary World In this paper discusses an example of human rights abuse in contemporary world. The human rights abuse selected shows a clear conflict between universalism and cultural relativism.
  • Business Practices and Human Rights Human rights refer to the fundamental rights of every human being, irrespective of race, sex, religion, political affiliation, social standing or any other feature.
  • Human Rights in Sociology and Philosophy The concept of human rights is among the most popular issues throughout the world in contemporary society today.
  • Government Responsibility Regarding Human Rights This paper discusses the primary responsibility of governments in promoting and protecting human rights and outlines legal instruments and conventions that governments use.
  • Networked Society: Connectivity as a Human Right The media text focuses on the collaborative aspect of the internet in which people are able to add their own ideas, assumptions and create their own content for public viewing.
  • Violation of the Human Right to Life: Death Penalty The problem of the death penalty cannot be separated from the general concept of human rights as it violates the paramount right of a human to life.
  • Circumcision: Ethical Dilemma and Human Rights Circumcision is a complex phenomenon that can result in ethical dilemmas. To put it simply, circumcision consists of surgical operations on female and male genitals.
  • Debating Human Rights: Cultural Relativity vs. Universality The universality of human rights is a question for debate because of the impact of cultures on people’s acceptation and interpretation of these rights.
  • Healthcare as a Human Right: Addressing Access Disparities The healthcare system in the United States faces several challenges, including inequalities in access to care and health outcomes.
  • Transitional Justice: Human Rights Violations The paper discusses transitional justice. It alludes to the procedures and systems in place to resolve human rights violations and other offenses.
  • Importance of the UN Declaration of Human Rights Today The paper states that understanding the importance of the UN Declaration is critical because it affects the quality of interpersonal relationships.
  • Human Rights in Brunei: Impact of Cultural Practices Human rights and culture contradict because of their origins, and for a country like Brunei, Islamic culture will undoubtedly affect the rights of women and LGBT+ people.
  • Healthcare as a Basic Human Right The right to have unlimited access to healthcare services is linked inseparably to the right to live, which is why accessibility to healthcare must be regarded as a human right.
  • The 1807 Abolition Bill: Continuing Human Rights Struggle A research question concerns the effectiveness of the 1807 Bill in the fight against slavery and its contribution to the further fight against the issue.
  • Human Rights Violations and Prosecutions of Perpetrators This paper discusses the challenges associated with human rights violations regarding international programs and the conditions under which prosecution is not effective.
  • The Issue of Human Rights Violation This paper states that human rights violation remains a significant issue. Aligning them with the current forms of human mistreatment is necessary.
  • Having Children as a Human Right The massive significance of parenthood as a concept raises the question of whether people should be entitled to have children as a part of their basic set of rights.
  • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Constructivists’ Views Constructivists’ views better than other approaches explain why such an initiative as the development of the declaration of universal human rights was even possible.
  • Human Rights and Discrimination Discrimination is against human rights and should be condemned because it has negative effects such as reduced productivity, feelings of anger, and anxiety.
  • Recognition of Human Rights for LGBT Individuals The paper discusses the importance of studying the issue of LGBTQ people discrimination, including its causes, harmful effects, and current state.
  • American Freedom and Human Rights American spirit consists of a dream of innocence and freedom. It is every American’s duty to create justice, and every person has the power to do so.
  • History, Oppression and Human Rights Violation in India The caste system is not entirely eliminated and still exists in modern-day India expressed in property ownership and governance.
  • Slavery as a Human Rights Issue The paper argues slavery in underdeveloped countries, especially Africa, continues to be a pressing and contemporary problem.
  • Human Rights from a Historical Perspective Recognizing the value of human rights guarantees that arbitrariness will not be tolerated and that democracy exists in society.
  • The Fundamental Human Rights Speech Human rights, in plain terms, are the entitlement to the fundamental rights that are given to every individual. We are given these rights, which we retain until we die.
  • Human Rights and Public’s Right to Know The issue of sharing every kind of information with members of the public remains sensitive and capable of affecting the interests of both citizens and governments.
  • Freedom of Speech: The Basic Human Right Freedom of speech allows everyone to receive and impart information. People and communities should articulate their thoughts and ideas without fear of any form of intimidation.
  • Violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in China China has a long history of suppressing authors and freedom of speech. Liu Xiaobo is a literary critic, known for their participation in the social and political spheres.
  • Human Rights and Freedom in Modern Society
  • Citizen Journalism Protects Human Rights
  • Human Development and Human Rights: South African Country Study
  • The Black Lives Matter’s Fight for Human Rights in America
  • The Black Lives Matter and Philosophies of Henry Shue and Thomas Pogge on Human Rights
  • The Different Human Rights Violation in China
  • The Bottled Water Industry and the Violation of Human Rights on a Global
  • Government Reforms and Basic Human Rights
  • The Death Penalty and Violations of Human Rights
  • The Challenges and Struggles of Viola Desmond to Fight for Equal Human Rights
  • Exploring the Relationship Between Military Spending & Human Rights Performance in South Asia
  • How Effective Does the Human Rights Act 1998 Promotes
  • Examining Coca Cola Human Rights Violations in Colombia
  • The International Courts and Tribunals’ Success in Upholding Human Rights
  • The Similarities and Differences in the Level of Development, Human Rights Protection, and Environmental Conditions Between the North and South
  • Civil and Human Rights: Excessive Use of Force
  • The History and Role of the Human Rights Watch, a Nonprofit Human Rights Organization
  • Humanitarian Intervention and Human Rights Violationss
  • Human Rights and Justice: Forms and Mechanisms of Oppression
  • The Violation and Protection of Human Rights in Society
  • Social Inequality and Human Rights in the Modern World This paper theorize civil rights to be the basis of developing the main social fields of education, healthcare, and career opportunities.
  • Bartolome De Las Casas and Human Rights in the Age of Exploration Bartolome De Las Casas was a pivotal factor in the emergence of what is currently termed human rights principles, as shown by his deeds and ideas.
  • Human Rights in China and the USA Every country has a different attitude toward human rights. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the problem of human rights in China and the USA.
  • Human Rights Related to Immigration The essay discusses human rights related to immigration and analyzes if there are any ways to improve the situation of migrants.
  • The Abortion Issue Regarding Human Rights This article raises the question of how people should determine what rights should be guaranteed by the constitution and what rights are core rights from birth.
  • Black Sports Activism: Olympic Project for Human Rights Black activism has been fundamental in reducing institutional racism and the mistreatment of African-Americans’ rights in the larger society.
  • Feminist Movement: Women’s Rights Are Human Rights Women across the globe deserve a voice and equal human rights, and they should be appreciated, and their contributions to society acknowledged.
  • Human Rights and Labor Laws Violations in Foreign Countries This discussion explores the situation in Chile and China, where workers have experienced labor laws and human rights violations in recent times.
  • Indigenous People and Human Rights This work examines what rights a person has in the process of acculturation, how acculturation affects the indigenous people of many countries, its tendencies in the modern world.
  • Human Rights and the Burqa Ban in France This paper expounding on how the affected French citizens may go about opposing the ‘burqa ban’ in the court of law.
  • A Form of Discrimination and Human Rights Violations Based on the relevance of the problem, models and methods of assistance to victims of domestic violence have been developed.
  • Human Rights Under Russian Leadership Human rights are among the essential norms which standardize human behavior and are protected by local and international laws.
  • The Universality of Human Rights “Human rights are “universal” rights in the sense that they are held “universally” by all human beings”. This report discusses the universality of human rights.
  • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights The current paper reflects these rights to understand their impact on ending atrocities of unpleasant events that occurred in the past, such as war.
  • Prisoners’ Human Rights Protection For the protection of human rights in prisons, it is important to examine the existing practices and incorporate the knowledge about the methods of promoting social justice.
  • Role of Civil Society in Realization of Human Rights This essay discusses how civil bodies interact with the state to guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms in socio-political and economic facades.
  • Human Rights as an Essential Part of the Societal Structure Human rights are vital to any social structure as they create guidelines for the people based on their needs and desires.
  • Human Rights in Brown v. Board of Education Case The Brown v. Board of Education case was a fundamental court decision since it secured the rights of millions of children but also the rights of the African American population.
  • Human Subjects Protection: International and Regional Human Rights Standards Any clinical expertise must be integrated with the best possible scientific evidence. Otherwise, it is impossible to provide patients with all the needed options.
  • Medicine and Public Health, Ethics and Human Rights Nowadays one can observe the tense connection between public health, medicine, human rights, and ethics; it can be explained by a number of medical challenges, etc.
  • Human Rights and International Trade Human rights in international trade precipitated the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) which caters to the welfare of the workers and other interest groups.
  • The Issues of Public Health, Ethics, and Human Rights Human awareness of medical care limits, the recognition of societal structure influence, etc. provide a wide link between healthy vision and ethical norms perception.
  • The Human Right to Equality and Racial Issues in the US This paper examines the issue of the human right to equality and non-discrimination, which is in question in the United States.
  • UK Anti-Terrorism Strategy and the Human Rights Implications on its Implementation The prevention of terrorism has been given a higher priority, and the new legislation has drawn on new instruments equivalent to the European levels.
  • Slavery and Human Rights Violation The work presents three stories from various time periods and places, but they are common in the fact that, due to greed, some people are ready to sacrifice all human qualities.
  • Human Rights Cities: Mountain View This blog post describes the records and the solutions of Mountain View city’s compliances to the global universal rights of an individual.
  • Human Rights Violation in Ethiopia The purpose of this paper is to draw the public’s attention to the terrifying events that are happening in Ethiopia and demand justice and freedom for the Oromo people.
  • Affordable Care Act as a Fundamental Human Right Healthcare should be recognized as a fundamental human right, which can be based on a new Medicare for All program to be cost-effective and affordable.
  • Declaration of Human Rights Influence on Government In this article, the author examines the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its impact on the governments.
  • Human Rights and the Rwandan Genocide In the first half of 1994, Rwanda lost approximately 800,000 citizens due to tribal clashes that led to what is referred to now as the Rwandan Genocide.
  • Civil Rights Movement and Actual State of Human Rights Ending racial discrimination and equalization of rights between the variety of ethnic groups found on the territory of the United States is a struggle with a long history.
  • Immigrants Human Rights Violation in the United States The research question addresses the need to halt family separations at the border by launching long-term cooperation with other states, such as Mexico.
  • The Mutual Relationship Between the Fields of Human Rights and Environmental Protection
  • The Relationship Between Intellectual Property and Human Rights International Law
  • The Constitution and the Declaration of Human Rights
  • The Concepts and Significance of Human Rights in Society
  • Children, Guantanamo Bay and the Violation of Human Rights
  • Civil Liberties and Violations of Human Rights
  • The Reason Why Countries Signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
  • Human Rights and Latin American Indigenous Women
  • How the Death Penalty Is Against Our Human Rights
  • The Criminal Defence and Human Rights Lawyer
  • Effective Practices for Infusing Human Rights
  • How Being Homeless Affects an Individual’s Human Rights
  • Gay Marriage: The Recognition of Equal Human Rights
  • The Black Codes: Limiting Basic Human Rights and Civil Liberties of Blacks
  • Human Rights and International Investment Law
  • Exponential Innovation and Human Rights: Implications for Science and Technology Diplomacy
  • The World Struggle for Human Rights and the Rights of Self
  • Child Soldiers Are Abused and Deprived of Human Rights
  • Business and Human Rights: The Evolving International Agenda
  • Development and Human Rights as Addressed by Bolivian President Evo Morales
  • Human Trafficking: International Human Rights International human rights law defines human trafficking as the violation of an individual’s right to liberty through appropriation of their legal personality, labor and humanity.
  • UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights The U.N. Guiding Principles are a necessary but still insufficiently effective tool to protect human rights from large business structures.
  • Global Human Rights Progress and the Role of National Cultural Value Systems This paper aims to investigate arguments in favor and against the claim that there has been progressing in developing global human rights over the last twenty years.
  • Human Rights Violations in Hong Kong The article is about the arrest of district councilor Cheng Lai-king on March 26, 2020, after being accused of seditious intent.
  • Confucianism and Human Rights Development The work highlights the main ideas of Confucianism, describes how it has changed over time under the influence of Western culture and what impact it has on our lives.
  • Human Trafficking as Violation of Human Rights Human trafficking is a heinous issue that is very serious and dangerous for our society. It is widely known that human trafficking has become an expanding issue across the world.
  • Sudan, Oil, War, and Human Rights This paper aims to address the main issues for why despite the end of the formal conflict in Sudan; global human rights actors have remained unable to stop the war-like patterns.
  • Are Human Rights Universal? The author argues that the concept of “human rights” serves as an instrument of political propaganda, and not a legal mechanism for protecting the well-being of people.
  • Human Rights: Social Relations and State and Citizens Relations Human rights play a crucial role in social relations and relations between the state and citizens. In the integral approach human rights are not made subservient to any ideology.
  • Human Rights Problem of Domestic Help in El Salvador The condition of human rights in El Salvador concerning the domestic helps has been steadily deteriorating over the years
  • Human Rights Conservation and the War on Terror Public Safety is the concept of governmental organizations concerned with protecting their citizens from all kinds of threats.
  • Cultural Relativism, Universal Jurisdiction and Human Rights The Human Rights area of different countries has its own peculiar features and structure. Human Rights are the result of people’s fight for independence.
  • Modern World Politics and the Cause of Human Rights Human rights, democracy and terrorism act as a triangle which bounds modern world politics to a certain limitation.
  • Circumcision as a Human Rights Issue in the US Circumcision can be considered one of the disputable practices that are still used on infants because of outdated believes and issues.
  • Human Rights Violation During Hong Kong Protests This paper discusses the violation of human rights as applied to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and applied to the context of the Hong Kong protests in 2019.
  • Remote Sensing to Monitor Human Rights Violations The use of modern technologies provides multiple options for various agencies that assess situations regarding human rights and their violations.
  • Donald Trump’s Policies of Poverty and Human Rights One of the events related to an acute social issue of poverty in the United States involves the U.N. report on extreme U.S. poverty and human rights in the context of Donald Trump’s policies.
  • Same-Sex Marriages and Human Rights Many people acknowledge that same-sex marriage is something that should be analyzed using this law. This discussion gives my personal perspective of this issue.
  • Human Rights, Globalization and Economic Development Based on Bryzk’s definition of globalization, it is clear that a globalized world makes it easy to have a free flow of information and ideas across the border.
  • Universal Human Rights in Political Ideologies The major contention of Communitarian with the ideologies of Universalism can be traced to the major element that each ideology advocates.
  • Human Rights in Israel-Gaza and West Bank Regions The conflict in the Gaza region was a violation of human rights because the sovereignty of the state was not respected by foreign powers.
  • Human Rights Advocates vs. Terrorism Victims In this study, we seek to find out the implication of terrorism on human rights and the impact of terrorism on global security.
  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Crises This paper gives a detailed analysis of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights from different perspectives.
  • High-Resolution Satellite Imagery and Human Rights The focus of this assignment is the use of high-resolution satellite imagery for detecting mass graves in Sheberghan, an area in Afghanistan.
  • Childhood Obesity Study, Ethics, and Human Rights The present paper discusses ethical considerations and plans in the protection of human rights in the childhood obesity issue, possible limitations, and implications of the study.
  • W. Kymlicka’s Insights on Human Rights and Cultural Protection Every society has a distinct culture that differentiates it from others and members of the society can interact freely even if they are from different cultural backgrounds.
  • Canada’s Commitment to Human Rights Principles Human rights refer to those aspects that uphold the outmost virtues of humankind. This paper is an evaluation of Canada’s commitment to human rights principles.
  • Islamic State and Values of Human Rights This paper gives a reflection and analysis of Islamic culture using the ideas gained from the movie “Islam in America”.
  • Heart Failure Study and Human Rights Protection The present paper discusses ethical considerations and plans in the protection of human rights during the study on congestive heart failure (CHF) patients post-discharge.
  • Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: LGBT Rights & Interdisciplinary Studies The history of Canada cannot be imagined without a chapter of same-sex struggle that, in many ways, defined the development of ethical principles of the country.
  • The Human Rights Act as a Protection Tool in the UK The HRA (Human Rights Act) was introduced in the UK in 1998 as a means of implementing an internal judicial method of addressing human rights concerns.
  • Discrimination and Human Rights Laws The paper discusses solutions of closing the gap between the reality of ongoing oppression and discrimination and the promises held out by our human rights laws.
  • Human Genitals: Ethical and Medical Controversies Human genitals is a matter that is to be treated with utmost care. Genital mutilations are mainly referred to as “a cultural practice”.
  • Struggle for Gay Human Rights: Nonviolence and Harvey Milk’s Legacy Harvey Milk and his contribution in the struggle to preserve gay human rights are discussed from a theoretical perspective. This paper provides an in-depth understanding of gay human rights.
  • Human Rights in United Arab Emirates The constitution of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially recognizes different rights and freedoms which its citizens and foreigners are entitled to.
  • Understanding Human Rights: Labor Rights in a Globalizing World and Gender Rights Labour rights are human rights which encompass “the right to collective bargaining; the elimination of forced and slave labour.
  • Human Rights and Development: The Antithesis of Armed Conflicts and War
  • The Coca-Cola Company’s Abuse of Its Employees Through the Violation of the Code of Human Rights
  • How Has the Human Rights Act Affected Parliamentary Supremacy
  • Community Service Can Restore Social Justice and Uphold Human Rights
  • Human Rights Act and Parliamentary Sovereignty
  • Human Rights and Freedom of Expression and Opinion
  • Human Rights and Criminal Justice in the United Kingdom
  • How Far Has the Government Gone to Compromise Our Basic Human Rights
  • Does Mental Health Treatment Infringe Human Rights?
  • The Link Between Corruption and Human Rights Violations
  • Are New Democracies Better Human Rights Compliers
  • Connection Between Democracy and Human Rights
  • Ethical and Philosophical Nature of Human Rights
  • The Connection Between Torture and Sin as a Theological Theme in the Conference Torture, Human Rights, War on Terror
  • The Pros and Cons of the Declaration of Human Rights
  • China Internet Censorship Against Human Rights
  • Human Rights and Civil Liberties in Canada
  • Examining the Links Between Human Rights and Different Models of Disability in Education
  • How Does Being Homeless Affect an Individual‘s Human Rights?
  • How Far Has the Government Gone to Compromise Our Basic Human Rights?
  • Are Security and Human Rights Mutually Exclusive?
  • Are Human Rights Issues Valid?
  • How Has Globalization Impacted Human Rights?
  • How Can Community Service Improve Human Rights and Our Society as a Whole?
  • How Did the Development of Human Rights Affect the Caste System in India?
  • Are Human Rights Practices Improving?
  • Are Human Rights Innate and Universal?
  • Are Human Rights “Subversive to the Current” Society of States?
  • How Does Human Rights Affect Multi-National Companies on Their Marketing Strategies?
  • Does the Canadian Charter Effectively Protect Our Human Rights?
  • Are Bangladeshi Women Enjoying Human Rights Properly?
  • Are Human Rights Infringed in Treatments for Mental Health?
  • Does Terrorism Threaten Human Rights?
  • Are Human Rights Truly Universal?
  • Are Human Rights Universal and Does It Matter?
  • Does the Human Rights Act Protect Civil Liberties?
  • Does the Terrorism Act Infringe Upon Our Human Rights?
  • Are Human Rights Human?
  • How Effectively Does the Human Rights Act 1998 Promote?
  • Are Rich Nations Violating the Human Rights of the World’s Poor?
  • Are Human Rights Universal Philosophy?
  • Are Human Rights and Economic Well-Being Substitutes?
  • Are Human Rights Protected?
  • Are New Democracies Better Human Rights Compliers?
  • Does the Human Rights Act 1998 Promote or Hinder Democracy?
  • Are Worker Rights Human Rights?
  • Does the WTO Violate Human Rights?

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StudyCorgi. (2021, September 9). 199 Human Rights Essay Topics & Examples. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/human-rights-essay-topics/

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StudyCorgi . "199 Human Rights Essay Topics & Examples." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/human-rights-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "199 Human Rights Essay Topics & Examples." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/human-rights-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Human Rights were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on June 23, 2024 .

Shapiro Library

HIS 100 - Perspectives in History

Inequality and human rights.

A sign on a post that reads "every human has rights"

Image by Markus Spiske, retrieved via Unsplash

The concept of inequality and humans rights is an issue that dates far back into the depths of human history. If this is an area of interest to you, please select one of the three historical events on the menu to the left for your course work. Below you can learn more about each topic first by clicking on the title. 

  • Tulsa Massacre
  • Wounded Knee Occupation
  • Stonewall Rebellion

Each of these topics listed above are linked to a Research Starter, which is a  tertiary source . Tertiary sources are great to get background information on a topic, but these are not meant to be cited in your assignment. Once you click on the topic of your choice from the menu, you will find a number of primary and secondary sources to use in your assignment. Read through each source to learn more about your chosen historical event. 

  • << Previous: Developing a Research Question
  • Next: Tulsa Massacre >>
  • Recognizing Problems
  • Accountability
  • Research & Advocacy
  • Policy Decisions
  • Introducing “Human Rights Advocacy and the History of Human Rights Standards”
  • What Is International Human Rights Policy?
  • Your Questions
  • USING THE SITE
  • Instructors
  • Researchers
  • A Basic Approach to Human Rights Research

Since the 1960s and the origins of the modern human rights movement, human rights organizations have produced their own research.  In-depth and well-documented reports, replete with testimonial evidence and analysis of government policy and practice , are the stock-in-trade product of human rights organizations. They serve as the basis of lobbying and campaign efforts, and they provide the underpinnings of organizational reputation and credibility.

Human rights organizations invented the genre of human rights research.  It typically resembles evidence gathered for a legal argument rather than analysis in the tradition of social science. Human rights organizations do not seek to describe general social conditions; rather, the main objective of human rights reporting is to document patterns of human rights violations and expose the perpetrators, institutions and policies that facilitate abuse.

Amnesty International created prototypes for human rights reporting in the 1960s, gathering detailed information on the situation of individual prisoners of conscience and the circumstances of their incarceration.  Prisoners of conscience are people who have been jailed because of their political, religious or other conscientiously-held beliefs or factors of their identity and who have not advocated violence.  Within a year of its founding, AI had documented the “cases” of some 1200 prisoners .  In 1962 it authorized its first in-country research mission (to Ghana), and in 1965 it released its first thematic report (on prison conditions in Portugal, South Africa, and Romania).

International human rights organizations today produce as many as 100 detailed reports per year, in addition to annual reports on the human rights practices of countries and news releases published on a daily basis. Mike McClintock describes  the origins of human rights research methodology and its evolution through the 1980s.  Since that time there have been important developments in this methodology–including technological advances,  forensic analysis , and sensitivity to the handling of personal information–but the basic approach described by McClintock continues to inform research reports issued by Human Rights Watch, Human Rights First, the Fédération International des Droits de l’Homme and numerous other human rights organizations in addition to Amnesty International.  The methodology developed by human rights organizations also provides guidance for human rights monitoring under the aegis of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights .

Human rights reports typically refer to existing legal standards or, where existing standards are lacking, they point to human rights norms and the need for new laws and policy. Increasingly, human rights organizations eschew a “victims” approach in favor of more inclusive involvement of those who have suffered abuse. The Irish section of Amnesty International, for example, has created an “ experts by experience ” group to advance its work on human rights and mental health.

For more information:

Mike McClintock, who has worked in the human rights field for more than 30 years at organizations like Human Rights First, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, describes the core tenants of human rights research methodology in his narrative, The Standard Approach to Human Rights Research .

International Standards and Guidelines (from IGOs and NGOs)

  • United Nations, “ Istanbul Protocol:  Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment ,” 1999.
  • Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Training Manual on Human Rights Monitoring, Professional Training . Series No. 7, 2001. (Note: Provides practical guidance principally for the conduct of human rights monitoring in United Nations field operations.)
  • International Bar Association: Human Rights Institute, Guidelines on International Human Rights Fact-Finding Visits and Reports (“Lund-London Guidelines”), 1 June 2009.  (Note:  The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute in conjunction with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute , launched this set of human rights fact-finding guidelines during a conference at the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, London, on 1 June 2009. The guidelines are the result of several years’ work and wide consultation. They arose out of concern that, despite there being no agreed international standards for human rights fact-finding reporting, such reports are frequently referred to by courts and tribunals as evidence of the facts alleged in them, as well as by governments, NGOs and other interested people. The guidelines aim to fill this gap by setting an agreed international standard of good practice in the conduct of fact-finding visits and in the compilation of reports. More information is available on the website http://www.factfindingguidelines.org .)
  • International Commission of Jurists, Trial Observation Manual-Practitioners’ Guide No. 5 , 2009. (Note: Intended as a practical tool for ICJ trial observers. The manual incorporates insights from similar guides developed by the UN and other NGOs and specifically addresses instances where the independence or impartiality of judges and lawyers is threatened or fair standards are not guaranteed. It includes analysis of international standards on the right to remedy of victims of human rights violations and combating impunity.)
  • International Law Association. “The Belgrade International Rules of Procedure for International Human Rights Fact-Finding Missions,” in  American Journal of International Law 75, No. 1 (1981): 163-165.
  • Human Rights Watch.  “ Our Research Methodology .”

Scholarship

On human rights research and reporting, generally.

  • Franck, Thomas M. and H. Scott Fairley. “Procedural Due Process in Human Rights Fact-Finding by International Agencies.” The American Journal of International Law 74, no. 2 (1980): 308-345.
  • Groome, Dermot. The Handbook of Human Rights Investigation . Human Rights Press, 2000.
  • Larson, Egon. A Flame in Barbed Wire:  The Story of Amnesty International .  New York:  F. Mueller, 1978.  (Note: Includes description of research missions carried out in AI’s early years.)
  • McClintock, Michael.  “Establishing Accountability for State Violence.”  In Human Rights in the Twenty-First Century:  A Global Challenge , edited by Kathleen Mahoney.  Martinus Nijhoff, 1993.
  • McClintock, Michael.  “ Tensions Between Assistance and Protection:  A Human Rights Perspective .”  In Humanitarian Action:  A Transatlantic Agenda for Operations and Research , edited by Larry Minear and Thomas G. Weiss.  Occasional Paper #39, Watson Institute, Brown University, 2000.
  • Orentlicher, Diane F. “Bearing Witness: The Art and Science of Human Rights Fact-Finding.” Harvard Human Rights Journal 3 (1990): 83-135.
  • Weissbrodt, David and James McCarthy. “Fact-finding by International Non-governmental Human Rights Organizations.” Virginia Journal of International Law , 22 (1981).
  • Weissbrodt, David.  “Book Review.  Human Rights Missions: A Study of the Fact-Finding Practice of Non-Governmental Organizations by Hans Thoolen and Berth Verstappen.”   Human Rights Quarterly , Vol. 10, No. 1 (Feb., 1988):  134-137. (Note: Introduces volume by Thoolen and Verstappen and also provides brief literature review on human rights research methodology.)

On specific methodologies

  • Amnesty International, Freedom from Torture, and University of York: Center for Applied Human Rights. “ Active Participation in Human Rights ,” Conference Report, 2011. (Note: See Annex 1 for an overview of conceptual challenges in incorporating rights holder perspectives and priorities in human rights research and reporting.)
  • OSCE.   Preventing and Responding to Hate Crimes:  A Resource Guide for NGOs in the OSCE Region ,”  Includes section on data collection, monitoring and reporting.  2009.
  • Stover, Eric. The Witnesses: War Crimes and the Promise of Justice in the Hague .  University of Pennsylvania Press, 2005. (Note: Addresses the use of victim and survivor testimony.)
  • Weissbrodt, David.  “International Trial Observers.”  Stanford Journal of International Law 18 (1982):  27-121.

Case Studies and Examples

  • Dublin City University, “ Hear My Voice:  The Experience of Discrimination of People with Mental Health Problems in Ireland ,” 2010.  (Commissioned by AI-Ireland, investigation of the experience of discrimination by people with mental health problems, experts by experience.  Illustrates use of “active participation” methodology.)
  • Geiger, MD., H. Jack and Robert M. Cook-Deegan, MD. “The Role of Physicians in Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises: Case Studies from the Field Missions of Physicians for Human Rights, 1988 to 1993.” Journal of the American Medical Association 270, no. 5 (1993): 616-620.
  • “ I Remember Being Shown Some Very Severe Signs of Torture ,” Former staff researchers of Amnesty International reminisce about gathering information in Pinochet’s Chile (blogpost, August 14, 2013).
  • Recognizing Human Rights Problems
  • Enforced Disappearances
  • Invoking Standards of International Humanitarian Law
  • Interdependence and Indivisibility of Economic and Political Rights
  • Establishing Accountability for Human Rights Abuse
  • Government Obligations
  • Armed Insurgent Groups and Other Non-State Actors
  • Individual Criminal Accountability
  • Corporate Accountability
  • Women’s Rights: Due Diligence, Private Actors, and Domestic Violence
  • Methods of Research and Advocacy
  • Forensic Evidence and Human Rights Reporting
  • Research in Conflict Zones and Military Forensics
  • Making international Human Rights Policy Decisions
  • The UN and Human Rights Policy
  • The Human Rights Movement – Advocacy for Policy Change
  • The Future: Frontiers in Human Rights Policy

Human Rights Glossary

Human rights council.

HRC – Human Rights Council. An inter-governmental body within the United Nations (UN) system  created in 2006 to replace the Human Rights Commission, which had become highly politicized and was generally recognized as non-functional.  An intergovernmental organization created within the UN body in 2006 by the UN General Assembly.

See more human rights glossary terms…

Human Rights Policy Resources

  • Core Human Rights Treaties and Monitoring Bodies
  • UN Special Procedures
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  • Universal Human Rights Instruments

Human Rights: From Practice to Policy

Download the 2010 Conference Proceedings

human rights research questions

Making a movement: The history and future of human rights

To mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The Carr Center for Human Rights Policy asked 90 Harvard faculty and affiliates to offer thoughts on a document that changed the world.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights 75 year anniversary logo.

To honor the UDHR, the Carr Center commissioned short essays from 90 scholars, fellows, and affiliates across HKS, Harvard, and beyond to explore the past, present, and future of the human rights movement it inspired. A selection of excerpts follows below. The  complete collection of essays  in their entirety can be found on the Carr Center website.

Archon Fung

Fredrik logevall, desirée cormier smith, iris bohnet, khalil gibran muhammad, julie battilana, maria kuznetsova, stephen walt.

  • Brooke Ellison MPP 2004

Archon Fung.

For rights to be truly secure, they must be ingrained in our hearts as well as guarded by our jurists. This first-best path of rights that are championed by democratic majorities rather than imposed upon them is never easily achieved and sometimes out of reach. But history shows many examples in which the advance of democracy and rights go together: women’s suffrage in 1920, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Perhaps the fundamental contribution of the UDHR was to inscribe those aspirations in the hearts of everyone around the world.

Archon Fung is the Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Self-Government; Director, Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, Harvard Kennedy School

Frederik Logevall.

Fredrik Logevall is the Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs

Desirée Cormier Smith.

Desirée Cormier Smith is Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice, U.S. Department of State

Afghan girls arrive at a primary school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Iris Bohnet is the Albert Pratt Professor of Business and Government; Co-director, Women and Public Policy Program, Harvard Kennedy School

Khalil Gibran Muhammad.

Khalil Gibran Muhammad is the Ford Foundation Professor of History, Race and Public Policy; Director, Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project, Harvard Kennedy School

Mathias Risse.

“The creation of such a document—its mere existence—must count among the greatest achievements in human history.”

Julie Battilana.

Julie Battilana is the Alan L. Gleitsman Professor of Social Innovation, Harvard Kennedy School; Joseph C. Wilson Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School; Faculty Director, Social Innovation + Change Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School

A worker sews a piece of camouflage apparel at a sewing factory in Ukraine.

So, here is what I want to say: violence never stays inside. Violence won’t stay in Donbas, Abkhazia, or the Xinjiang Uygur region; it will spread far beyond “deathworlds” when authoritarian states feel they will go unpunished. I strongly believe that world leaders should stop dividing dictators into “ours” and “theirs” and see authoritarianism as a global threat, especially in a century of rapid technological and economic growth, where new surveillance and control technologies make peaceful regime change even harder. We should closely listen to human rights defenders and support them—they are the litmus test of society, sensing first when society begins to ail.

Maria Kuznetsova is Scholar at Risk, Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, Harvard Kennedy School

Stephen Walt.

Stephen Walt is the Robert and Renée Belfer Professor of International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School

U.S. Capitol Building at dawn, in Washington, D.C.

  Brooke Ellison MPP 2004

Brooke Ellison.

The status of people with disabilities was neither a prescriptive outcome nor an accident. When people are understood to be the evildoers or the cursed, the unwell, contagious, or the vulnerable, policies to marginalize these people are not only likely but seemingly necessary. History has born this idea out, time and time again. The passage and ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in December 1948 was a humanitarian triumph combating this very idea. The UDHR made a resounding statement that atrocities like genocide and systematic annihilation of people ought to be categorically prohibited on an international scale.

Brooke Ellison MPP 2004 was  an associate professor at Stony Brook University and a disability advocate. She died February 4 .

Banner Image: A man walks past an illuminated panel bearing the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Barcelona. Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt of the United States, Chairman of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, holding a Declaration of Human Rights poster.

Suffragettes walk along a street wearing sandwich boards demanding that women be given the right to vote. 1912. Photo by Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Getty Images

Afghan girls arrive at a primary school in Kabul, Afghanistan where the government has banned girls from secondary school education. in Afghanistan, by ordering high schools to re-open for boys only. Photo by Oliver Weiken/AP Images

Civil rights march on Washington, D.C. in 1963. Photo by Warren K. Leffler. Library of Congress

A worker sews a piece of camouflage apparel at a sewing factory that produces military uniforms and tactical gear in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo by Julia Kochetova/Bloomberg

U.S. Capitol Building at dawn, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA.

Faculty portraits by Martha Stewart

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New and emerging human rights issues

The URG aims to be ahead of the curve in identifying and offering timely policy analysis and advice on human rights concerns relevant to today’s world. Concern for human rights is central to many of the contemporary world’s most important challenges. From environmental protests in Asia to debates about the nature of sustainable development in New York, and from concern about the welfare of cross-border migrants to growing interest in the power of technology to support freedom of speech – human rights are never far from the spotlight. Through its work on contemporary and emerging human rights issues, the Group looks to help policy-makers and policy-influencers understand the dynamics of a particular issue and its possible evolution and implications, as well as provide policy recommendations thereon.

Our projects

Inequality and social rights.

This project looks at the causes and consequences of inequalities related to a single social right: the right to education. How do State policies related to access to quality education, at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, including on the important issue of public vs. private provision, effect the enjoyment of the right to education? Do discriminatory educational policies lead to inequalities in the enjoyment of other rights and in society as a whole? In countries with strong records of ensuring equal access to quality education at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, does society as a whole suffer fewer inequalities? The project uses a combination of quantitative data analysis (using similar methods to those used in URG’s report on the human rights impacts of corruption) and a qualitative assessment of various country case studies, to understand the relationship between equality and social rights – especially the right to education.

The right to a healthy and sustainable environment

The right to a clean and healthy environment was left out of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (and therefore the two Covenants) because it was drafted before the advent of the modern environmental movement in the 1960s and 70s. However, over recent years, there has been a growing interest and movement, at national, regional and international levels, to correct this oversight, and to declare a universal right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

Under this project, URG works with those States determined to push, in 2020-2021, for the universal recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. It does so by helping to make the case that such a recognition would have real-world practical value – both in terms of better protecting and promoting individual human rights, and in terms of protecting and conserving the natural environment. At the same time, URG continues its work to support and raise awareness about the vital work of EHRDs, and to better protect them from risk.

Business, human rights and corruption

In May 2018, URG published a policy report which demonstrated for the first time (using empirical evidence) that corruption has significant negative impacts on the enjoyment of human rights, and that – conversely – the best way to prevent corruption is to strengthen respect for, and the promotion and protection of, human rights (i.e. address root causes). Through the 2018 study it also became clear that corruption and the worst instances of human rights violations (including the killing of EHRDs) tend to happen at the intersection of government and businesses/commercial interests.

The proposed project, to be taken forward in cooperation with the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, would aim to help move governments and businesses from a contemporary mindset characterised by compartmentalisation (i.e. ‘CSR,’ ‘business and human rights,’ business and corruption,’ ‘business and climate change,’ and ‘business and the environment’) and an emphasis on ‘compliance;’ to a more holistic mindset based on an understanding that human rights, anti-corruption, environmental protection, climate change, and sustainable national development are all interlinked and mutually reinforcing, and that a proactive or preventative approach to these issues is preferable to one based on meeting minimum legal requirements. The project will do so through a mixture of international-level research (especially focused on identifying and sharing good practices); platforms for exchange between governments, civil society and businesses; and the ‘testing’ of ideas through on-the-ground projects in Latin America.

Environmental human rights defenders

This project aims at listening to the EHRDs and understanding their specific situations and challenges. A first phase of this project led to a report outlining the increasingly worrying situation faced by the EHRDs, which includes harassment, violence and death. The policy report aims at contributing to a better understanding of the contemporary situation of the EHRDs around the world and the rationale behind human rights violations against the EHRDs, which are increasing. The report also presents recommendations to the international community on how to better protect and promote the rights of the EHRDs and how to “defend defenders” in a better way, with a biew of enabling them to continue their vital work.

The second phase of this project, to look for some of the findings published in the report produced under the first phase of the project, and to carry out several regional consultations in Latin America, with a view to identifying and implementing effective solutions for Challenges and problems faced by the EHRDs.

Previous projects

Corruption and human rights.

Corruption compromises States’ ability to fulfil their obligation to promote, respect, and protect the human rights of individuals within their jurisdictions. Human rights are indivisible and interdependent, and the consequences of corruption are multiple and touch on all human rights — civil and political rights; economic, social and cultural rights; and on the right to development. Yet, until now, it has been largely ignored as a human rights issue. With the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 – and most notably in this regard, SDG 16 – increased awareness has spread within the UN system of the detrimental impact of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights.

This project endeavoured to strengthen the role of the Human Rights Council and the wider UN system in the fight against corruption, through, inter alia, delivering objective, fact-based statistical research on the nature and extent of the impact of corruption on human rights; reflecting on country-specific case studies; and providing insight and counsel on the potential establishment of new types of mechanisms within the UN human rights mechanisms to support States in combatting corruption.

Coherence on international policy making on preventing violent extremism, radicalisation, intolerance, and incitement

Terrorism and violent extremism are among the most serious threats to global human rights and security. As such, in order for any strategy to combat violent extremism to be successful and avoid becoming self-defeating, must rely on a human rights-based approach.

This project sought to, inter alia, analyse evolving international strategies to prevent violent extremism, radicalisation, intolerance and incitement to hatred; assess how UN strategies on tackling violent extremism connect to other areas of its work – including initiatives on combatting religious intolerance, protecting human rights while countering terrorism, and enhancing human rights education; and provide policymakers with recommendations on how to develop more effective strategies – at the national and international level, which both effectively prevent violent extremism and promote the full enjoyment of human rights.

Human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals

The Declaration on the Rights to Development turned thirty years old in 2016, yet remains as divisive as it was at the time of its adoption. While proponents of the right assert its relevance or primacy, sceptics relegate it to secondary importance or even deny its existence all together.

In 2016, the 30th   anniversary of the Declaration, the adoption of both the SDGs (which explicitly recognise the right to development), and the Paris Agreement on climate change presented a new opportunity to replace this division with a common understanding, among States and other key stakeholders, as to what the right to development is; what it means; why it is important; and how it should be realised.

This project sought to contribute to such realignment and help the international community move beyond misconceptions and towards realising the right, together with all other rights, including the realisation of the SDGs. The project endeavoured to, inter alia,  present an objective analysis of the debate today; create a safe space for States and other stakeholders to confront misconceptions, build bridges, and exchange views on the links between human rights and development, understand the role of the UN human rights system in contributing to sustainable development and the realisation of the SDGs; and to identify gaps in that contribution.

Human rights, climate change and displacement

Climate change has enormous implications for the enjoyment of a wide range of internationally protected human rights. This is especially the case for people in already vulnerable situations. Over the past 8 years, the international community has taken a number of steps to leverage human rights law and principles to strengthen international responses to global warming. One of the most important human impacts of climate change will be on displacement. Already millions of people are forcibly displaced each year by natural disasters. With the effects of climate change, the frequency and intensity of such disasters will further increase, as will the number of people being displaced across borders. Yet, at present the international protection framework for such scenarios is insufficient.

This project presented a critique of attempts, led by the Human Rights Council and its mechanism, to promote a ‘rights-informed’ approach to climate change policy. The project also provided counsel on how the international community should address the global protection gap for persons displaced across borders in the context of disasters.

Business perceptions and opinions

Over the last decade, the field of business and human rights has seen a dramatic evolution, from a situation in which companies and human rights activists were at odds, to one in which stakeholders have begun to approach a common understanding of the risks, challenges, and opportunities involved.

This project sought to analyse levels of respect for human rights among businesses around the world through an annual global survey, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The survey of nearly 900 CEOs was designed to understand their views, perceptions, strategies, and actions in the area of human rights and the degree to which the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have been translated from principles into practice.

The project was initiated and sponsored by the Universal Rights Group. It also benefited from the support of DLA Piper, Lilly, Mazars, the Global Business Initiative on Human Rights (GBI), Telenor Group, the International Chamber of Commerce, IPIECA, the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The survey received guidance from the UN Working Group on business and human rights.

Media perceptions

Transparency, visibility (public awareness) and accountability are essential to the credibility and effectiveness of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms.

If the Council is to remain a credible institution, it is important not only that it fulfills its mandate to promote and protect human rights, but that the wider public, around the world, sees that it is able to do so. It is also important for individuals around the world to be armed with knowledge of commitments made and actions taken by their governments at international level in order to hold them to account.

In both regards the role of the media is vital: both to help break the ‘Geneva bubble’ and to hold members of the Council accountable for the positions they take and the votes they cast.

This project analysed international press coverage of the work of the Human Rights Council and sought to strengthen media interest in and knowledge about the Council and its work.

human rights research questions

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Human Rights Careers

5 Tips for Writing Your Human Rights Research Paper

If you are a human rights student, you will often be asked by your professors to do research on a certain human rights issue and write a research paper. Research papers are considered to be academic writings based on your original research, interpretation and commentary of other research findings. They are done in order to demonstrate your academic knowledge of a certain human rights issue and your acquisition of different research methodologies.

Also read: 10 Tips for conducting human rights research

Research papers on human rights can focus on any type of human right or a broad overview of human rights. For example, you can focus your research paper on the right to labor or do a research on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which includes 30 human rights.  This article offers five tips for writing your human rights research paper with an aim to assist you to keep good organization and focus.

Do you want to pursue a career in human rights?

Our eBook “ Launching Your Career in Human Rights ” is an in-depth resource designed for those committed to pursuing a career in the human rights field. It covers a wide range of topics, including the types of careers available, the necessary skills and competencies, and the educational pathways that can lead to success in this sector. Whether you’re considering a master’s degree, looking for your first job, or exploring specific human rights issues, this guide offers valuable insights and practical advice. It’s a helpful tool for anyone looking to understand the complexities of working in human rights and how to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with this important work. Learn more .

Step 1: Choose a Human Rights Topic

When writing a research paper the first thing you have to do is to choose a topic . So where can you get inspiration? A common tactic is to skim through thesis directories to discover topics or issues that spark your interest. Another option you can try, is to visit your favorite online magazine and look at the articles through a human rights lens. The fashion brand, where you buy your clothes, do they care about human rights? What are the human rights implications of the latest developments in artificial intelligence? What happens when you apply a human rights perspective to the netflix series you saw last week? Human rights are everywhere, and so are the topics for your research paper.

Step 2: Conduct Research

Once you have selected your topic, the next step is to conduct research. This can take various forms. Most students start with skim reading through the available literature. When you are searching an online library, make sure you also use synonyms and similar keywords in your search. It might be possible that your topic is well researched already but that most researchers choose a different term than the one you had in mind to describe the issue.

Look for articles and books that were written by human rights experts that deal with your chosen topic. Articles and books usually contain an empirical research that was already conducted within the field you are writing about. Once you find articles and books about your topic, check out the reference list or bibliography. The sources listed there can be a great tool for you to identify more suitable literature.

A great source for conducting research is the Internet, where you can find scholarly articles , books , journals, blog posts, encyclopedias and case directories . However, make sure you distinguish between invalid sources (i.e. Wikipedia, forums, etc.) and valid sources (i.e. scholarly article published by a university research center). Usually, your professor will outline and define what type of sources are acceptable to use in a research paper (i.e. scholarly articles, books, online journals, media articles etc.).

However, the most important is that information you find is trustworthy and based on facts. Academic publications often go through a rigorous quality assurance process and are thus considered more trustworthy than a message anyone can post on social media without much accountability. Your research paper should be based on at least five reliable sources.

Research traditions also vary in different universities and locations. At universities in Germany and Austria it is more common to reference twenty to fifty sources, even for a short research paper while in the UK less sources and more original writing is often state of the art. Make sure you discuss expectations with your professors especially if you are studying abroad and may be used to a different university system.

Citing well known authors and academics will make your research more reliable and your arguments well supported. It is a common best practice to summarize the key arguments of two or more authors and then, based on the research that has already been done, develop your own thoughts and conclusions around the topic. Once you have collected enough information on your topic, you can begin creating the outline of your research paper and developing your main argument.

Step 3 : Create an Outline

One of the most important steps in writing a research paper is creating a proper outline which will, later on, serve you as a guide and keep you on track. However, prior to creating an outline you should develop your research question and thesis statement which serve as a main idea and central point of your research paper. The arguments in your research paper should revolve around answering your research question ( Is murder a violation of the right to life? ) and testing your thesis statement ( Murder is not considered a violation of the right to life, but killings are considered a violation of the right to life ). The majority of your research paper will be based on arguments to verify or falsify your thesis statement based on facts and reliable sources.  

Once you defined your research question and thesis statement, you should be able to create an outline of your research paper which will help you organize your arguments. Creating an outline usually means organizing your thoughts into a linear structure with headings and subheadings presenting the main points of your argument.

Usually, a research paper, no matter what topic concerns, has the following structure:

  • Title page (This includes the title, the author’s name, date, the university name and name of your professor)
  • Abstract (This is a brief summary of your research paper with only main points outlined)
  • Introduction (Introduction should contain your research question, thesis statement and brief background information on the topic with the main arguments presented)
  • The main body (This part contains several sections in which you are going to summarize, analyze and present your literature findings and your arguments answering your research question and testing your thesis statement. In this part you are also going to explain how you have conducted your research and what research methodologies you used)
  • Conclusion (In conclusion you should shortly summarize your main arguments and explain the significance of your research. In this part, you should outline whether or not your research question has been answered and if your thesis statement has been confirmed)
  • Reference and Literature (In this section you will list all references and literature that you have used in your research paper)
  • Appendix (This section is necessary only if you have any additional information to support your argument such as charts, tables or figures)

Step 4: Write the paper

Once you finished outlining your paper it is time to begin writing. When starting this process it can be helpful to skip the introduction and start with the main body text. Usually, introduction and conclusion are written last because only then you will have a clear picture of your research paper and will be able to summarize it more concretely without skipping the important points. During the writing process you will develop new ideas and thoughts and the paper might move in a different direction that you originally planned. That’s normal but you need to update all aspects of the paper accordingly to ensure everything is consistent.

While writing, organize your arguments into paragraphs in order to get a clear and concise line of arguments. During the writing stage you will consult the literature and information you collected during the phase of conducting a research. However, it is really important to pay attention to how you summarize your literature in order to avoid plagiarism. This means using someone else’s exact words and copying them into your own research paper. Plagiarism is absolutely unacceptable in any academic discipline and considered as a form of theft.

A common way to avoid plagiarism is to paraphrase a certain argument or a fact in your own words and add a footnote to the original source. If you want to use word to word quotes you must mark them with quotation marks. In addition, always make sure to cite at the end from which source the fact or information derived or came from.

When writing, you should always keep in mind that the main purpose behind writing a research paper is to present arguments supported by the evidence from research.

Step 5: Edit, Revise and Celebrate

After you finished writing your research paper it is important to edit and revise it. At this stage, put your paper away for some time to gain distance to your own writing before you come back and revise it. After a few days, you will be able to notice mistakes more clearly and see whether or not you have presented clear and concise arguments. During the edit phase you should check for typos and spelling mistakes and if language you have used is clear and concise. Also, you will be able to notice if there was repetition in some parts of the paper and repetitive words or phrases that could be replaced with synonyms to improve the style of your paper. Once you have handed in your paper, don’t forget to celebrate! One step closer to your human rights masters .

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About the author, ada hasanagic.

Ada Hasanagić is a human rights professional currently working as a researcher at the Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Previously, Ada graduated with honors from the Sarajevo School of Science and Technology and the University of Buckingham in the fields of Political Science and International Relations. Also, she earned a master’s degree in Democracy and Human Rights from the University of Sarajevo and University of Bologna.

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  • Northwestern Community on Human Rights
  • Business - Business & Human Rights, Gateway Gateway to this topic. University of Minnesota.
  • Business - Business & Human Rights Resource Centre A rich, reputable, unique site that offers information that is otherwise hard to find. International standards of human rights are the starting point in investigations of companies in over 180 countries. In short, the aim is to measure discrimination, poverty, access to medicines, safety, security, trade and more in business practices. It is a well-organized site, but you will be greatly helped by beginning with Getting Started and How to Use The Site. See, too, the library & special portals.
  • Children - Child Abuse, Child Welfare & Adoption Bibliographic citations and abstracts to literature on the maltreatment of children.
  • Children - Child Rights Information Network (CRIN) Dedicated to changing how societies and governments view children and to making the enforcement of current human rights more systematically inclusive of children. The UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC)—signed by all countries except Somalia and the U.S.—enumerates these rights. Under Publications, in the drop-down menu of Resources, find an option to search numerous types of documents including journal articles, bibliographies, books, reports. Most full-text; complete citations.
  • Death Penalty Worldwide Database is "intended to fill a void in current information about the laws and practices relating to the application of the death penalty around the world." What makes this one different is its scholarly approach. "...to provide detailed and transparent information regarding the application of the death penalty in law and in practice in every country that retains it." (Center for Int'l Human Rights, NU Law).
  • Environmental - EarthRights International Regarding "human rights and environmental abuses in countries where few other organizations can safely operate. We expose and publicize earth rights abuses through campaigns, reports and articles..." and organize and litigate.
  • Environmental - Global Witness Organizes "campaigns against natural resource-related conflict and corruption and associated environmental and human rights abuses." Specializes within the areas of oil, gas, mining, banks, diamonds, minerals and forests. Updated news and reports, opinion, blogs, video, and various types of articles can be examined through an Advanced Search tool that also allows searching by keyword, country, and issues.
  • Health - Health & Human Rights World Health Organization (WHO): "the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being..." See Information Resources and Database.
  • Health - HealthWrights "Development and distribution of educational materials on health and human rights, presented clearly and simply so that people at all educational levels can understand them. "
  • Labor - International Labour Organization (ILO) UN specialized agency "which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights." Because the ILO provides conventions on internationally recognized labor standards, it is often mentioned in the documents and reports of human rights groups. See, esp., Topics, Publications, and Statistics and Databases.
  • Listserv - H-Human Rights Listserv of session of the International Studies Association.
  • Minorities - Minority Rights Group International Works to assist minority and indigenous groups to establish or maintain rights to their lands, cultures, languages, and religions and to gain opportunities in education, government, and employment. Website contains good foundational information, including definitions and legal statuses. Under Publications find online access to reports, micro and macro studies, guides, briefings, training manuals, and the annual State of the World's Minorities. Print editions for sale.
  • Science - AAAS Science & Human Rights Program (SHRP) American Association for the Advancement of Science: Under SHR Coalition, click on Resources to find Organizations Defending the Human Rights of Scientists, Science and Human Rights: A Select Annotated Bibliography, and (coming soon) the Bibliographic Database on Science and Human Rights. It is also worthwhile to see Publications and the SHR Newsletter, both listed under (another) Resources link from the home page.
  • Torture - Bush Administration Torture Archives "...fully searchable and indexed pages providing the public with access to thousands of documents highlighting the abuse and torture of detainees in facilities such as Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib Prison. The Torture Archive provides a detailed account of the authorization of torture as a component of U.S. policy during the administration of President George W. Bush."
  • Trafficking of Persons - Country Reports Annual publication by the U.S. Dept of State.
  • U.S - Annotated Bibliography on Human Rights Infringements in a Post-September 11th United States
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This section lists selected resources and organizations that work on selected topics on human rights: women, migrants, civil rights, children, the disabled, and the prevention of torture and genocide.

The Rights of Women

Amnesty International: Women's Rights .  Portal for Women's Rights Issues from AI.

Contemporary Women's Issues .  Access to global information on women in over 190 countries from journals, newsletters, reports, pamphlets,  and guides covering gender-related issues.

GenderWatch .  International journals, magazines, newsletters, regional publications, special reports, and conference proceedings devoted to women's and gender issues.

Global Database on Violence Against Women .  Includes laws, policies, programs, institutional mechanisms, research, data, and country pages

Human Rights Watch - Rights of Women . Portal for Women's Rights Issues from HRW.

United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.   UN body of  i ndependent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

UN Women .  United Nations Agency devoted specifically to Women's Issues, including Human Rights.

Women's Human Rights Resources Database . Lists articles, documents and links  related to international women's rights law and Canadian women's rights law. 

Women's Studies International . Acces to women's studies, women's issues, and gender-focused books, book chapters, journal and magazine articles, dissertations, and reports from throughout the world.

Genocide and Torture

Bush Administration Torture Archives Documents highlighting abuse and torture of detainees in facilities such as Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib Prison.

Encyclopedia of genocide and crimes against humanity . Presents information on  acts that fall within the definitions developed for crimes under international law: war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.

Genocide Watch . Coordinating organization for the International Campaign to End Genocide (ICEG), an international coalition of organizations dedicated to educating the public and policy makers about the causes, processes, and warning signs of genocide.

Prevent Genocide International . An education and action network dedicated to stopping genocide.

United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide.   Acts as a catalyst to raise awareness of the causes and dynamics of genocide, to alert relevant actors where there is a risk of genocide, and to advocate and mobilize for appropriate action.

Rights of the Disabled

ACLU Disability Rights . Section on ACLU web site dedicated to the rights of the disabled.

Disability Rights International .  Promotes the human rights and full participation of children & adults with disabilities worldwide.

Encyclopedia of Disability . Collects over one thousand entries that provide insight into international views, experiences, and expertise on the topic of disability

Human Rights Watch: Disability . HRW section on disability.

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Disability . 

Civil Rights

Black Studies Center (BSC) . Cross-searchable gateway to Black Studies including scholarly essays, recent periodicals, historical newspaper articles, reference books, and more.

Civil Rights in the United States . Excellent guide from the University of Minnesota Law School.

Ethnic News Watch . Index of over 200 ethnic, minority, and native press publications, including news, culture, and history topics. Searchable in English and Spanish.

Civil Rights Digital Library.    Includes a digital video archive of historical news films of the Civil Rights Movement, a civil rights portal providing a  virtual library by connecting related digital collections, as well as stories, articles, and lesson plans.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute .  Papers of Martin Luther King, from Stanford University.

Southern Poverty Law Center . Advances justice for vulnerable members of society through advocacy, litigation, and education. Provides information on hate crimes throughout the United States

Television News of the Civil Rights Era .  "An archive containing film footage from the nightly news from two local television stations in Virginia. Included are clips of Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy, Richard M. Nixon, the governors of the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

United Nations and Minority Rights .  UNHCR section devoted to Minority rights.

The Rights of the Child

Child Rights Information Network (CRIN)   Dedicated to changing how societies and governments view children and to making the enforcement of current human rights more inclusive of children.

European Commission: Rights of the Child .  European Union site with resources on the EU's work on the rights of the child.

State of the World's Children . UNICEF’s flagship publication that closely examines key issues affecting children. 

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) . Section on the Rights of the Child on the UNICEF web site.

United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child . Body of 18 Independent experts that monitors implementation of the UN  Convention on the Rights of the Child  by its State parties.  

Refugees and Migrants

Amnesty International - Migrants and Refugees . News and stories about AI's work with refugees.

Human Rights Watch - Migration . HRW topical section for Migration.

Migrant Rights International . NGO and federation of migrants’ and migrants’ rights organizations, trade unions and faith-based groups promoting and defending the human rights of migrants.

Migrant Rights.Org . Advocates to bring about a change in attitudes towards migrant workers with a focus on the Middle East.

United Nations Committee on Migrant Workers . Body of independent experts monitoring the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families by State parties.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees . The United Nations Refugee agency - immense web site with facts, information, reports, and resources about global refugee issues including their search engine,  refworld .

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Definition of Human Subjects Research

Are you planning human subjects research? Learn more about research that meets the definition human subjects research, Federal regulation requirements, and whether your project may be considered exempt. Become familiar with considerations, policies, and regulations related to human subjects research protections.

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Learn about the NIH single institutional review board (IRB) policy for NIH-funded domestic multi-site studies involving non-exempt human subjects studies. Find key resources to understand the policy expectations and the process for requesting exceptions.

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I'm a Queenslander at the ANU Law School. In my writing, research, and teaching I'm interested in the legal questions that define our democracy, and the interface between law, politics, and government: constitutional law and human rights law. In particular, current major projects are on Australian constitutional fundamentals and on criminal fair trial rights under the ECHR. My academic work has been published in publications such as Public Law, the Human Rights Law Review, the Modern Law Review, and others, and cited by the European Court of Human Rights. I regularly write and speak in the media and in the general community on a variety of public law issues, have done consultant and pro bono research work on related issues for a number of NGOs, and previously worked as a solicitor.

I also have a track record of university leadership and service, especially on scholarships and philanthropy. As Head of Scholars House for the ANU's Tuckwell Scholarship Program (2019-2024), reporting to the DVCA, I led a diverse team of academic and professional staff overseeing Australia's most transformational undergraduate scholarship program. For this work I was awarded the Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Contribution to the University (2023). I currently hold smaller roles with the Rhodes Scholarships and the Lionel Murphy Scholarships. Previously I was ANU Law's Director (2017-2019) of Higher Degree Research (ie Associate Dean HDR).

I work part-time to reflect my parenting responsibilities.

  • BA( Hons I ), LLB( Hons I ) ( UQ ), BCL( Dist ), DPhil ( Oxon )
  • Rhodes Scholar (Qld & Lincoln 2007)
  • Ralph Chiles CBE Award (Oxford, 2008)
  • University Medal (Law)( UQ , 2005)
  • University Medal (Arts-History)( UQ , 2004)
  • Admitted as Solicitor (Qld) in 2007

Appointments

  • ANU: Associate Professor (2019- ) & Head of Scholars House for the Tuckwell Scholarship Program (2019-2024); Senior Lecturer (2016-18); Lecturer (2013-15)
  • Lincoln College, University of Oxford: Junior Research Fellow in Law (2011-13)
  • Associate to the Hon Justice PA Keane (Queensland Court of Appeal) (2006)

View more publications on the ANU Researchers website

Link to ANU researchers profile

Read selected publications in the ANU Digital Collection

Link to ANU Digital Collections

Related websites

Research biography.

I work on human rights law (especially ECHR/UK) and Australian public law.

Research projects & collaborations

Summary of recent research projects:

  • R Goss 'What do Australians Talk About When They Talk About 'Parliamentary Sovereignty'?' (Jan 2022) Public Law 55-75 (SSRN with earlier version here )
  • R Goss "The Undermining of Article 6 ECHR" (2019) European Yearbook of Human Rights 295-312
  • R Goss "Power & Propriety: Coper's Encounter with the Dismissal" in J Stellios (ed), Encounters with Constitutional Interpretation and Legal Education (Federation Press, 2018).
  • R Goss "Out of Many, One? Strasbourg's Ibrahim Decision on Article 6" (2017) 80(6) Modern Law Review 1137–1163
  • R Goss "Voting Rights and Australian Local Democracy" (2017) 40(3) UNSWLJ 1008
  • R Goss “Balancing Away Article 6 in Home Office v Tariq: Fair Trial Rights in Closed Material Proceedings” in G Martin et al (eds), Secrecy, Law and Society (ch 4)(Routledge, 2015)
  • R Goss Criminal Fair Trial Rights: Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. (Hart Publishing, Oxford, 2014).
  • (Book longlisted for the Inner Temple Book Prize 2015 , shortlisted for the Peter Birks Book Prize for Outstanding Legal Scholarship 2015 , and cited by Sajó & Laffranque JJ in Ibrahim v United Kingdom (ECtHR (Grand Chamber), 2016).
  • R Goss “To the serious detriment of the public: Secret evidence and closed material procedures” in L Lazarus & JC McCrudden (eds), Reasoning Rights: Comparative Judicial Engagement (Hart Publishing, Oxford, 2014)(pp118-134).
  • Lazarus L & R Goss, “Criminal Justice Under the UK Human Rights Act” (2013) 25 Singapore Academy of Law Journal 755

Case notes & book reviews

  • Goss R. “Book Review: Amnesties in the Age of Human Rights Accountability” (2013) 1 European H Rts Law Review 108
  • Goss R. “Book Review: Criminal Evidence and Human Rights: Reimagining Common Law Procedural Traditions” (2012) 6 European H Rts Law Rev 713
  • Goss R. “Book Review: Fair Trial Rights, 2nd Edn” (2011) 2 European H Rts Law Rev 237
  • Goss R. “Book Review: Australian Constitutional Law & Theory” (2007) 27 Qld Lawyer 311

PhD supervision

I am currently, and am willing to consider in future, supervising research projects at any level (including PhD/HDR/Masters/Honours/etc) in areas including:

  • Australian constitutional law,
  • European human rights law,
  • Comparative human rights law,
  • UK public law.

If you are interested in PhD/HDR study, I strongly encourage you to read the Law How to Apply for HDR site carefully.

Previous supervision

  • Dr Alice Taylor (Primary Supervisor, 2017-2020), A Creative Interpretation: a comparative study of statutory discrimination law . Now Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, Bond University.

Current courses

2023

Class #5533

Australian Public Law
2023

Class #6523

International and Comparative Human Rights Law

Previous courses

2021

Class #5707

Australian Public Law
2021

Class #4639

International and Comparative Human Rights Law

Philosophy & approach

  • Australian Awards for University Teaching 2017: Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (Department of Education and Training, September 2017)
  • Winner, ANU Law Award for Teaching Excellence (Excellence in Education Awards, 2016)
  • ANU Law Excellence in Education Awards nominee: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
  • Oxford University Student Union Teaching Awards 2013, Shortlisted for 'Most Acclaimed Lecturer', Social Sciences Division, University of Oxford (June 2013)

At the Australian National University (2013- ):

  • Australian Public Law (JD and LLB)
  • International & Comparative Human Rights Law (Masters and JD)
  • Comparative Civil & Political Rights (Masters and JD)

At the University of Oxford (2010-2013):

  • Constitutional Law (Lincoln College, Oxford; undergraduates; 2011, 2012)
  • Administrative Law (Lincoln College, Oxford; undergraduates; 2012, 2013)
  • Criminal Justice & Human Rights (Oxford; postgraduates; 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13) (co-taught with Prof Andrew Ashworth and Dr Liora Lazarus)
  • Jessup International Law Moot coach/co-coach at University of Oxford (2009 and 2010)

How my works connects with public policy

My work relates to some of the biggest questions of public policy: how democracy functions, what limits are placed on what our governments can do, and what role is and ought to be played by we, the people.

I regularly write and speak in the media and in the general community on a variety of public law issues, and have done consultant and pro bono research on related issues for a number of NGOs.

Ryan Goss

Research themes

Center for Security and Emerging Technology

Revisiting ai red-teaming.

and Colin Shea-Blymyer

This year, CSET researchers returned to the DEF CON cybersecurity conference to explore how understandings of AI red-teaming practices have evolved among cybersecurity practitioners and AI experts. This blog post, a companion to "How I Won DEF CON’s Generative AI Red-Teaming Challenge" , summarizes our takeaways and concludes with a list of outstanding research questions regarding AI red-teaming, some of which CSET hopes to address in future work.

Last year, following 2023’s DEF CON, CSET asked “What Does AI Red-Teaming Actually Mean?” We went back to the conference this year to see if a consensus was emerging among AI developers, cybersecurity experts, and evaluators. We have gained some clarity, but questions remain about how red-teaming should be done and what it can do to make AI systems safer and more secure. DEF CON 2024’s Generative Red Team 2 (GRT 2) event was aimed at simulating a realistic large language model evaluation environment.

Compared to last year’s iteration, which was born out of a high-profile partnership with the White House and focused on broadly accessible LLM prompt hacking challenges, this year’s challenge was less flashy and more procedural. Instead of looking for one-off prompts that would elicit unwanted responses from multiple models, the GRT 2 focused instead on the process of reporting flaws in a single model. All participants used an open-source framework called Inspect , built by the UK’s AI Safety Institute, to prompt the model and see if they could get it to act in ways that deviated from its model card, a piece of documentation outlining how the model and its guardrails were supposed to behave. Since there isn’t a standard definition of what constitutes a flaw in a model, the GRT 2 organizers classified “flaws” as behavior that significantly violated the contents of the model card. Also, unlike last year, the threshold for failure was higher—to account for the random nature of LLM outputs, participants had to prove that their inputs were statistically likely to produce bad outputs. Examples of bad outputs might include agreement with blatantly bigoted statements, instructions on how to commit a crime, or anything revealing personal or sensitive data. (For a first-person look at the GRT 2 experience, see this blog post by CSET Research Fellow Colin Shea-Blymyer: “ How I Won DEF CON’s Generative AI Red-Teaming Challenge .”)

GRT 2’s focus on process and rigor is a step in the right direction for AI evaluation. However, we still wanted to know how companies, developers, and other actors in the AI industry are conducting red-teaming in practice. Are they also mostly sticking to prompt-based adversarial testing, or do they take a more expansive approach that incorporates other ways that an adversary might attack an AI system? How does red-teaming fit into their existing test and evaluation pipelines? And most of all, how are they ensuring that red-teaming will prevent harmful outcomes?

Here are our takeaways based on presentations and conversations at DEF CON 2024:

“AI red-teaming” has widely become shorthand for “prompt-based adversarial testing.”

There are exceptions, of course. However, the vast majority of the time, our conversations about AI red-teaming were based on the shared assumption that these are evaluations performed by prompting a language model. Cybersecurity red-teaming of an AI model––in which testers attempt to attack the model itself and the software systems that surround it––implicitly falls under a different category of evaluation.

This raises questions about how red-teaming practices should be incorporated into the burgeoning field of AI security. As we noted last year, most DEF CON attendees with a cybersecurity background would still associate the phrase “red-teaming” with network hacking and infiltration, but the term is growing to mean something different to the attendees in the convention’s AI Village. Will future discussions about securing AI systems have to disambiguate between prompt-based red-teaming practices and “traditional” cybersecurity red-teaming? These are two distinct types of testing, requiring different testing environments and expertise. They’re both important—although prompt-based adversarial testing is only useful for certain types of models, like LLMs—and they can’t be substituted for each other because they’re trying to assess different things.

Frameworks for automating prompt-based red-teaming are useful . . .

The UK AI Safety Institute’s Inspect framework, and others like Microsoft’s PyRIT , help automate the tedious, annoying parts of performing prompt-based model evaluations. As this year’s GRT 2 organizers noted, the inherent randomness of LLM output generation means that each prompt should be tested multiple times to try and gauge how often it leads to failure. Frameworks and automation can make this process a little less time-consuming.

. . . but also limiting.

An automation framework can’t help users answer one of the most crucial questions when red-teaming—deciding what kinds of flaws or failures they’re testing for . They’re also inherently limited to certain types of input or interaction. Performing red-teaming with a prompt-based automation framework may address a subset of possible failure states, but it is insufficient for other forms of adversarial testing (for instance, if an attacker finds a way to give a language model inputs that bypass its guardrails entirely).

Human judgment and evaluation still matters.

Automation tools are useful in cases where a red-teaming exercise is clearly scoped and bounded. However, in many cases, categorizing what constitutes a “failure” or a “harm” caused by a model is still deeply subjective—and often uncertain. A team of GRT 2 judges worked nonstop throughout the weekend to manually evaluate each submitted report. Organizations looking to automate their prompt-based AI red-teaming will likely still need to draw on human subject-matter experts based on the use cases they’re testing for.

Outstanding questions still remain, including the extent to which this kind of adversarial testing can be effectively automated.

These questions include: 

  • Is the objective of red-teaming to identify and mitigate some potentially harmful failure state in an AI system? If so, how are those failure states defined? 
  • What does red-teaming actually measure? What can it measure? 
  • Are policymakers’ objectives for red-teaming (e.g., mandating red-teaming of certain models) aligned with those of AI developers? 
  • How should red-teaming be incorporated into broader systems of testing, evaluation, validation, and/or verification? 
  • To what extent can red-teaming (or a certain subset of red-teaming activities) be automated? What assurances can automated red-teaming provide? 
  • To what extent is human expertise necessary for red-teaming, and how many resources are necessary to perform it? 

Related Content

How i won def con’s generative ai red-teaming challenge.

In August 2024, CSET Research Fellow Colin Shea-Blymyer attended DEF CON, the world’s largest hacking convention to break powerful artificial intelligence systems. He participated in the AI red-teaming challenge, and won. This blog post details… Read More

Controlling Large Language Model Outputs: A Primer

Concerns over risks from generative artificial intelligence systems have increased significantly over the past year, driven in large part by the advent of increasingly capable large language models. But, how do AI developers attempt to… Read More

What Does AI Red-Teaming Actually Mean?

“AI red-teaming” is currently a hot topic, but what does it actually mean? This blog post explains the term’s cybersecurity origins, why AI red-teaming should incorporate cybersecurity practices, and how its evolving definition and sometimes… Read More

Skating to Where the Puck Is Going

AI capabilities are evolving quickly and pose novel—and likely significant—risks. In these rapidly changing conditions, how can policymakers effectively anticipate and manage risks from the most advanced and capable AI systems at the frontier of… Read More

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  1. 177 Human Rights Research Topics

    Unique Human Rights Topics for Research. The collapse of the Soviet Union and Rise of Communism in Russia. Comparing the Pan-African movement to the 20 th -century cultural nationalism of Latin America. A review of the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement's goals and methods.

  2. Human Rights: What are the questions that really matter?

    Improving that alignment is "the work" and it requires moving beyond the idealizations of the UN Declaration on 1948 and confronting questions befitting of 2020. Put differently, if human rights is the answer, what is the question? Some questions typically asked by people of a broadly liberal sensibility who see rights as a moral good might be:

  3. Questions and answers about Human Rights

    In fact, article 29 of the UDHR recognises that, "1. Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible. 2. In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and ...

  4. Human Rights Law Research Paper Topics

    100 Human Rights Law Research Paper Topics. In the realm of human rights law, the depth and breadth of research topics are vast, reflecting the complexities of the field and its dynamic nature. This comprehensive list of human rights law research paper topics spans ten categories, each presenting ten engaging and thought-provoking subjects for ...

  5. 100s of Free Human Rights Law Dissertation Topics and Titles

    Topic 3: The European Court Of Human Rights and its effectiveness amongst the EU member states. Topic 4: The link between human rights and same-sex marriage. Topic 5: Assessment of human rights in the workplace. Topic 6: The right to life and death penalty in the 21st century. Topic 7: Should the death penalty be reinstated in the United ...

  6. Human Rights: Research & Analysis

    CSIS human rights research is led by the Human Rights Initiative (HRI). Launched in 2014, HRI promotes a proactive global human rights agenda that reinforces democratic values as a central component of a comprehensive foreign policy. It seeks to generate innovative solutions for government, civil society, and the private sector and works to integrate human rights priorities across U.S. foreign ...

  7. Welcome

    Welcome. Welcome to the Human Rights Research Guide! Human rights is a multidisciplinary subject and research in human rights often requires consultation across disciplinary and methodological grounds. This guide focuses on providing useful resources for accessing various types of information (e.g. legal documents, data, scholarly articles ...

  8. Home

    Authored by Harvard Law Librarians, select the Human Rights and International Law categories to find a variety of specialized research guides on related topics. UN Documentation: Human Rights Guide. Research Guides on locating UN documents for human rights research. Authored by the UN Library.

  9. Human rights: questions and answers

    Human rights: questions and answers. Human Rights: Questions and Answers provides clear, concise and up-to-date information on human rights standards, mechanisms for their promotion and protection, organizations working for human rights, and major international events. It also includes reflections on the main challenges to human rights.

  10. Human Rights Research Guide

    General resources for human rights research. Check out our Get Started guide in Research Now! for more help with. Background Research. Doing background research to explore your initial topic can help you to find create a focused research question; Initial Searching.

  11. Guides: Human Rights Law Research Guide: Introduction

    If you need assistance with human rights law research, visit the Research Help page of the Georgetown University Law Library's website. Or contact the Law Library's International and Foreign Law Department by phone (202-662-4195) or by email ([email protected]). Georgetown Law Center students may schedule a one-on-one research ...

  12. 199 Human Rights Essay Topics & Research Questions to Write About

    Human rights, the foundational pillars of a just society, go far beyond governments and cultures. In this collection of human rights research topics, explore the multifaceted dimensions of human rights, from historical struggles to contemporary debates.

  13. Research Topic List: Inequality and Human Rights

    Research Topic List: Inequality and Human Rights HIS 100 - Perspectives in History Tulsa Massacre, Wounded Knee Occupation, Stonewall Rebellion, Haitian Independence, Philippine Revolution, Iranian Revolution, The Great London Smog, Creation of Earth Day, Chernobyl, Creation of the UN, Act Prohibiting Slavery, Founding of NATO

  14. A Basic Approach to Human Rights Research

    Since the 1960s and the origins of the modern human rights movement, human rights organizations have produced their own research. In-depth and well-documented reports, replete with testimonial evidence and analysis of government policy and practice, are the stock-in-trade product of human rights organizations.They serve as the basis of lobbying and campaign efforts, and they provide the ...

  15. Making a movement: The history and future of human rights

    "THE CREATION OF SUCH A DOCUMENT— its mere existence—must count among the greatest achievements in human history." That is how Mathias Risse, the Berthold Beitz Professor in Human Rights, Global Affairs and Philosophy, and faculty director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at HKS, describes the impact of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which turns 75 this year.

  16. New and emerging human rights issues

    New and emerging human rights issues. The URG aims to be ahead of the curve in identifying and offering timely policy analysis and advice on human rights concerns relevant to today's world. Concern for human rights is central to many of the contemporary world's most important challenges. From environmental protests in Asia to debates about ...

  17. Topics

    The UN Human Rights Office and the mechanisms we support work on a wide range of human rights topics. Learn more about each topic, see who's involved, and find the latest news, reports, events and more. View all topics Go directly to a topic. Search Form. Countries

  18. 10 Human Rights Topic Ideas For You To Explore

    Here are ten human rights topic ideas to explore: #1. Gender inequality. Gender inequality is an evergreen human rights topic. Because it has such a long history, we have a good idea of what works and what still needs to be done. Issues like the gender pay gap, the distribution of unpaid labor, gender-based violence, gendered job segregation ...

  19. 10 Tips for conducting human rights research

    Research on human rights can be as varied as compiling a list of human rights violations in a selected country to carry out fieldwork for an investigative media piece. Your research might involve different methodologies, ranging from conducting 1-to-1 interviews with the people affected by human rights abuses to attending a lecture by experts in […]

  20. 5 Tips for Writing Your Human Rights Research Paper

    Step 3 : Create an Outline. One of the most important steps in writing a research paper is creating a proper outline which will, later on, serve you as a guide and keep you on track. However, prior to creating an outline you should develop your research question and thesis statement which serve as a main idea and central point of your research ...

  21. Special Topics

    UN specialized agency "which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights." Because the ILO provides conventions on internationally recognized labor standards, it is often mentioned in the documents and reports of human rights groups. See, esp., Topics, Publications, and Statistics and Databases.

  22. Human Rights

    More adults approve than disapprove of U.S. diplomatic boycott of Olympics; few have heard much about it. About nine-in-ten U.S. adults (91%) say they have heard little (46%) or nothing at all (45%) about the diplomatic boycott of the Olympics. reportJun 30, 2021.

  23. Human Rights Resources: Human Rights Topics

    This section lists selected resources and organizations that work on selected topics on human rights: women, migrants, civil rights, children, the disabled, and the prevention of torture and genocide. ... institutional mechanisms, research, data, and country pages. Human Rights Watch - Rights of Women. Portal for Women's Rights Issues from HRW.

  24. 3.11: Research Questions

    A research question is a question that your research project tries to answer. Research questions help you to . focus your research; determine how relevant your research is to your readers ; communicate the purpose of your research clearly; Once you have your topic, you can brainstorm related sub-topics that interest you.

  25. Human Subjects Research

    Find useful information about proposing and conducting NIH extramural research involving human subjects, including policies, regulations, training and resources. Learn about considerations for human subjects research when planning and submitting a research application or contract proposal, and throughout the extramural funding cycle.

  26. Ryan Goss

    I'm a Queenslander at the ANU Law School. In my writing, research, and teaching I'm interested in the legal questions that define our democracy, and the interface between law, politics, and government: constitutional law and human rights law. In particular, current major projects are on Australian constitutional fundamentals and on criminal fair trial rights under the ECHR.

  27. Revisiting AI Red-Teaming

    This year, CSET researchers returned to the DEF CON cybersecurity conference to explore how understandings of AI red-teaming practices have evolved among cybersecurity practitioners and AI experts. This blog post, a companion to "How I Won DEF CON's Generative AI Red-Teaming Challenge", summarizes our takeaways and concludes with a list of outstanding research questions regarding AI red ...