Handbook

Equality and the principle of non-discrimination are central to the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms. This course explores the fundamental principles of the international law of equality and non-discrimination and their place in human rights law. It also examines the application of these principles to selected contemporary circumstances. The course focuses particularly on sex, disability and race discrimination, looking closely at gross or entrenched violations, comparing the approaches of various domestic nondiscrimination law regimes and analysing the main policy debates. Special attention is given to the role and accountability at law of non-state actors. Several eminent guest speakers will address the class on particular topics.

Main Topics

• Theories of equality
• The principle of equality: conceptual and historical background
• The prohibition on discrimination
• Concepts in anti-discrimination: prohibited grounds and special measures
• The International Bill of Human Rights
• Discrimination on the basis of sex and sexual orientation
• Race, religion, ethnicity and discrimination
• Indigenous peoples and discrimination
• Discrimination on the basis of age.
• New grounds of discrimination: disability and other developments
• International mechanisms for implementation and compliance
• Comparing and contrasting domestic implementation and enforcement of anti-discrimination principles
• Competing claims: business perspectives on anti-discrimination in employment
• Advocacy for equality, including litigation.