How do you keep students motivated when their perception of a subject conflicts with the reality of its academic study? International human rights law, unquestionably an exciting field, is also complex and demanding. In his breakthrough textbook, De Schutter focuses on international human rights law as global legal system, rather than as a collection of different (though related) rights, giving it relevance and immediacy. Drawing on cases and materials from a wide range of sources, it shows how human rights law is used as a tool to address contemporary issues such as counter-terrorism, global poverty and religious diversity. Materials are organised thematically, allowing readers to make comparisons and connections between different legal treaties and systems. Students can also easily assess how human rights are protected under domestic and international laws. The law is placed in context throughout, ensuring full understanding of why laws exist and how they work.

'Well structured and well written, I would be more than willing to recommend this book as compulsory reading for my students …'

Caroline Fournet - University of Exeter