This book provides a comprehensive introduction to international human rights -- international human rights law, why international human rights have increasingly risen to world prominence, what is being done about violations of human rights, and what might be done to further promote the cause of international human rights so that everyone may one day have their rights respected regardless of who they are or where they live.

It explains:

• how the concept of international human rights has developed over time


• the variety of types of human rights (civil-political rights, economic-social rights, as well as a delineation of war crimes)


• empirical findings from statistical research on human rights


• institutional efforts to promote human rights


• an extensive listing of international human rights agreements


• identification of recent prosecutions of war criminals in domestic and international tribunals


• ongoing efforts to promote human rights through international aid programs


• the newest dimensions in the field of human rights (gay rights, animal rights, environmental rights).

Richly illustrated throughout with case studies, controversies, court cases, think points, historical examples, biographical statements, and suggestions for further reading, International Human Rights is the ideal introduction for all students of human rights. The book will also be useful for human rights activists to learn how and where to file human rights complaints in order to bring violators to justice.

The new edition is fully updated and includes new material on:

• the Obama presidency


• the Arab Spring and its aftermath


• the workings of the International Criminal Court


• quantitative analyses of human rights


• war crimes.