Includes bibliographical references (pages xxxi-xxxvi) and index.

The concept of human rights : from morality to law : the abolition of slavery -- Guaranteeing human rights by treaty -- How many treaties and how many rights? -- The development of human rights norms through non-binding instruments : how and why do new international human rights norms emerge other than by treaty? -- Human rights in extremis : how can human rights be protected in times of terrorism, civil strife, and armed conflict? -- Who has legal obligations under international human rights law? -- Preventing and responding to acts of violence against women -- Domestic enforcement mechanisms : Are States' courts bound to apply International Human rights norms? -- The problem of fact-finding and evidence -- How are human rights violations investigated? -- UN human rights mechanisms : how are human rights implemented at the global level? -- The European system for the protection of human rights -- Rights and duties at the regional level -- Human rights in the Americas : responding to disappearances -- The case of Argentina and its aftermath -- Other regional systems -- Is there a right to a safe and healthy -- Environment? -- Coercing compliance with human rights norms: sanctions and armed intervention -- Can the international community prevent human rights violations by threatening or using force? -- Human rights and foreign policy -- The United States-China relationship.

n/a