Unit information: International Law of Labour and Welfare Rights in 2009/10

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name International Law of Labour and Welfare Rights
Unit code LAWDM0027
Credit points 30
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director Professor. Novitz
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

School/department University of Bristol Law School
Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit is designed to introduce students to issues surrounding international protection of labour rights (such as freedom of association, equal treatment, protection from child labour and freedom from forced labour) and welfare rights (such as rights to housing, healthcare, social security and food). The relationship between these entitlements and 'third-generation rights' will also be explored. The unit examines what standards relating to labour and welfare rights have been adopted within the international community, the form in which they have been protected and the specific mechanisms utilised for their enforcement. This entails not only a technical analysis of international instruments and supervisory structures but also some detailed consideration of underlying social, political and economic concerns. These are examined in their historical context and in the work of the International Labour Organization, the Council of Europe (the European Social Charter) and the United Nations (the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights).