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Today it is usually not long before a problem gets expressed as a human rights issue. Indeed, human rights law continues to gain increasing attention internationally, and must move quickly in order to keep up with a social world that changes so rapidly.

This Very Short Introduction, in its second edition, brings the issue of human rights up to date, considering the current controversies surrounding the movement. Discussing torture and arbitrary detention in the context of counter terrorism, Andrew Clapham also considers new challenges to human rights in the context of privacy, equality and the right to health. Looking at the philosophical justification for rights, the historical origins of human rights and how they are formed in law,
Clapham explains what our human rights actually are, what they might be, and where the human rights movement is heading.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. A highly suitable starting point for students of law, moral and ethical philosophy, history and politics. And, of course, activists in civil society movements or those who seek an accessible introduction to human rights and their relevance to current events. * Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers * This short book covers one main area of current interest very well: how the human rights movement has gained increasing attention internationally... "Clapham on Human Rights" can be summed up as one of the best titles we have read yet from OUP. * Phillip Taylor MBE and Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers *

Human Rights: A Very Short Introduction

Preface ; 1. Looking at rights ; 2. Historical development and contemporary concerns ; 3. Human rights foreign policy and the role of the United Nations ; 4. Torture ; 5. Deprivations of life and liberty ; 6. Balancing rights - free speech and privacy ; 7. Food, education, health, housing, and work ; 8. Discrimination and equality ; 9. The death penalty ; Final remarks ; References ; Further reading ; Annex: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights ; Index