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GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

Series

2009

Human rights

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Law

International Human Rights In A Nutshell, Thomas Buergenthal, Dinah L. Shelton, David P. Stewart Jan 2009

International Human Rights In A Nutshell, Thomas Buergenthal, Dinah L. Shelton, David P. Stewart

GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

This book describes the development of international human rights law. The main difference today is that individuals receive protection as individuals independent from their affiliation with a nation, as compared to the traditional consideration that only states had rights under international law. The law of humanitarian intervention first suggested that states do not receive unlimited discretion in their behavior under international law. The first chapter describes the earliest treaties and agreements giving rise to the current status of international law, such as the League of Nations and the International Labor Organization.


Litigating A Rights-Based Approach To Climate Change, Dinah L. Shelton Jan 2009

Litigating A Rights-Based Approach To Climate Change, Dinah L. Shelton

GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

Most discussions of a rights-based approach to the environmental crises facing the planet have centered on demanding that governments take action to prevent or mitigate environmental harm that diminishes, for those within their territory and jurisdiction, the enjoyment of internationally-guaranteed human rights. Yet, the consequences of pollution -- especially anthropogenic climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions -- are not confined within the boundaries of a single state: pollution knows no boundaries. Instead, throughout the world, individuals, communities and entire nations face significant threats to their wellbeing and even their lives from climate change and its effects.

A key fact …