This book offers a carefully tailored overview of the subject that covers sources and theories, institutions and structures, and substantive rights. The fourth edition is fully updated to include all key developments in the law, in particular issues around reform in the UN and the topical application of human rights around the world.

Dr Rhona K.M. Smith is Professor of International Human Rights at Newcastle Law School, Newcastle University.

1 Sources of international human rights

2 Key concepts: universality, interdependence and categories of rights

3 States and treaty obligations

4 Human rights organisations and key institutions: United Nations and international entities

5 Regional human rights organisations and key institutions

6 Monitoring and enforcing human rights: extra-conventional mechanisms

7 Implementing human rights treaties: committees and courts

8 Extending the duties to protect and respect human rights: non-State actors

9 Children

10 Human rights defenders

11 Indigenous peoples

12 Prisoners, detainees and convicts

13 Refugees, stateless persons and internally displaced persons

14 Women

15 Emerging issues and challenges