International Human Rights Law &

International Humanitarian Law

Term 2 of AY 2013-2014

Prof. Glenda T. Litong

gtlitong@gmail.com
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW
& INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

1. Course Information
A study of the law on international human rights and humanitarian law, including a study of their nature, philosophy,
principles, protection mechanisms and jurisprudence.
2. Class process:
The class shall be conducted in an inter-active manner with the aim of enhancing student understanding of the assigned
readings, particularly relating to fundamental principles, doctrines and rules governing human rights and humanitarian law.
Students are expected to read the cases in the original and will not be allowed to read from their gadgets during recitations.
A quiz might start the class from time to time and will form part of the recitation grade.
3. Readings
The syllabus indicate the pertinent articles and materials that I would be using in the course and would be the basis of the
discussions and conversations that would take place during the class sessions. Students can refer to any textbook on
international human rights and humanitarian law for further guidance and elaboration of the relevant principles and concepts
of the course.
4. Office Hours
I invite and encourage each of you to meet with me at least once during the trimester to discuss the course by appointment.
5. Grading System:
Attendance
:
Class recitation
:
Group project
:
Final examination or Paper:

10%
25%
25%
40%

For those who wish to submit a paper rather than take the final exam, the research paper should focus on one area of
concern that implicates human rights/humanitarian law and policy-making. A framework, sentence outline of the paper is
expected to be submitted midway through the course and the final paper shall be submitted during the final examination. The
paper should not be less than 8,000 words, not more than 10,000 words, excluding footnotes.
The final examination will be determined primarily by a closed-book, two-hour examination based on the lectures, class
discussions, and all assigned material, whether discussed in class or not.
If class participation is substantive, the final grade may be raised by one grade-step.

Syllabus:
International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Session 1:
I. What is international human rights law?
1.1
What are its history and philosophy?
Hurst Hannum, S. James Anaya & Dinah L. Shelton, International Human Rights:
Problems of Law, Policy, and Practice (5th ed. 2011). Accessed at
http://scholarship.law.gwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi
article=1238&context=faculty_publications
Kenneth Cmiel, The Recent History of Human Rights, The American Historical Review,
Vo. 109, No.1 (Feb. 2004), pp. 117-135. Accessed at
http://www.jstor.org/stable/3524636
Jerome J. Shestack, The Philosophic Foundations of Human Rights, Human Rights
Quarterly 20.2 (1998) 201-231. Accessed at
http://www.princeton.edu/~bsimpson/Human%20Rights/articles/Shestack,
%20Philosophical%20Foundation%20of%20Human%20Rights.htm
Amartya Sen, Elements of a Theory of Human Rights, Philosophy & Public Affairs 32,
no. 4 (Blackwell Publishing, Inc., 2004). Accessed at
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/law/pg/current/modules/idhr_modules/theories_and
_histories/week4/sen.pdf
Sammy Adelman, Culture, Universality and Human Rights in the twenty-first century,
PLJ, Volume 70, No. 2 December 1995.
Lecture:
1.2

What are its institutions and structures?: The process of internationalization.

1.2.1.
The United Nations and its Human Rights Treaty Bodies
Study these sites:
http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/structure/index.shtml
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/Pages/HumanRightsBodies.aspx
1.2.1.1
What are the protection mechanisms addressing alleged human rights
violations in the UN System?
1.2.1.1.1. Charter-Based: Human Rights Council
1.2.1.1.1.1.
Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
Read: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/AboutCouncil.aspx
Report of the Working Group on the Philippines 2nd UPR (http://daccess-ddsny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G12/151/22/PDF/G1215122.pdf?OpenElement)
1.2.1.1.1.2. Special Procedures
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/Pages/Introduction.aspx
1.2.1.1.1.3. Complaint Procedure
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/ComplaintProcedure/Pages/HRCComplaintProcedureIndex.
aspx
1.2.1.1.2. Treaty Monitoring bodies

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/Pages/HumanRightsBodies.aspx
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CCPR/Pages/CCPRIntro.aspx
1.2.1.1.3. Mechanisms specific to marginalized groups
1.2.2
Regional Protection Mechanisms
1.2.2.1.
InterAmerican HR Sytem: http://www.hrea.org/index.php?doc_id=413
1.2.2.2.
European HR System:
http://www.hrea.org/index.php?doc_id=365
http://www.ihrc.ie/training/resources/humanrightsrefe.html
1.2.2.3.
African HR System: http://www.achpr.org/about/african-hr-system-guide/
Session 2:

1.3
What are the normative instruments?
Amitai Etzioni, The Normativity of Human Rights is Self-evident, Human Rights Quarterly 32
(The John Hopkins University Press, 2010). Accessed at
http://www2.gwu.edu/~ccps/etzioni/documents/Normativity%20of%20Human%20Rights.pdf.
Koh, Harold Hongju (1999) "How Is International Human Rights Law Enforced?," Indiana Law
Journal: Vol. 74: Iss. 4, Article 9. Accessed at
http://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/ilj/vol74/iss4/9
1.3.1
The UDHR, International Bill of Rights and the 8 Conventions
Read the texts of the instruments, including Optional Protocols:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CoreInstruments.aspx

1.3.2
Interpretations of Treaty-Monitoring Bodies
Dinah Shelton, The Legal Status of Normative Prounouncements of Human Rights Treaty
Bodies, in 1 COEXISTENCE, COOPERATION AND SOLIDARITY 553-75 (Holger P.
Hestermeyer et. al. Eds., 2011). Accessed at http://scholarship.law.gwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi
article=1387&context=faculty_publications.
Read the following General Comments:

HRC GENERAL COMMENT 6 (1982) The right to life (Article 6)

HRC Draft General comment No. 35 (2013) Liberty and security of person (Article 9)
CESCR General Comment No. 4 (1991) the right to adequate housing
CESCR General Comment No. 7 (1997) the right to adequate housing forced evictions (art.
11.1)
CESCR General Comment No. 12 (1999) the right to adequate food
CEDAW General recommendations No. 12 (1989) & 19 (1992) on violence against women
CRC General Comment No. 13 (2013) on Freedom from all forms of violence

Session 3:

1.3.3
Regional Human Rights Conventions and Jurisprudence
Wilner, Gabriel M., "Reflections on Regional Human Rights Law" (1995). Scholarly Works.
Paper 191. http://digitalcommons.law.uga.edu/fac_artchop/191
Andrea Durbach, Catherine Renshaw and Andrew Byrnes, A tongue but no teeth?: The

emergence of a regional human rights mechanism in the Asia Pacific region, SYDNEY LAW
REVIEW (VOL 31:211). Accessed at http://sydney.edu.au/law/slr/slr31/slr31_2/Durbach.pdf.
Focus on the Conventions:
European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
American Convention of Human Rights
African Charter on Human and People's Rights
ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, with the Phnom Penh Statement
Regionalization of HR norms:
Nachova v Bulgaria (Application no. 43577/98 & 43579/98)
Katangese Peoples' Congress v. Zaire, African Commission on Human and Peoples'
Rights, Comm. No. 75/92 (1995).
Case of Christine Goodwin v. UK (Application no. 28957/95)
Mller and others v. Switzerland (Application No:10737/84)
Amnesty International v. Zambia, African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights,
Comm. No. 212/98 (1999).
Right to Life: Eurpopean Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Art. 2
American Convention on Human Rights Art. 4
African Charter on Human and People's Rights A4
IACHR, White and Potter, Res. No. 23/81, CASE 2141, U.S., March 6, 1981,
OAS/Ser.L/V/II.54, Doc. 9 Rev. 1, 16 October 1981
ECHR 50490/99, Boso v. Italy. Accessed at
http://hudoc.echr.coe.int/sites/eng/pages/search.aspx?i=001-23338#{%22itemid%22:[%2200123338%22]}
ACHPR, 266/03 Kevin Mgwanga Gunme et al / Cameroon. Accessed at
http://www.achpr.org/files/sessions/45th/comunications/266.03/achpr45_266_03_eng.pdf)
Session 4:
1.4 What are State obligations?
1.4.1.
How are the obligations complied? Duties of respect, protect and fulfill
Teson, Interdependence, Consent and the Basis of International Obligation, 83 Proceedings of
the Annual Meeting (ASIL) (April 5-6), 1989, 558-566.
Velasquez Rodriguez Case, Judgment of July 29, 1988, Inter-Am.Ct.H.R. (Ser. C) No. 4 (1988):
Read on State Obligations and Theory of Liability
1.5 When is there violations?
UDHR Art. 29 & 30
Permissible restrictions, derogations (purpose, legitimate aim, aims of democracy: comparison
and proportionality test; less intrusive measure)
Reservations
Masstricht Guidelines on Violations of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Maastricht,
January 22-26, 1997
The Limburg Principles on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights (UN Document E/CN.4/1987/17)

II. Philippine Human Rights Law

2.1 Is context relevant?
References:
Emmanuel S. de Dios and Ricardo D. Ferrer, Corruption in the Philippines:
Framework and context
http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/apcity/unpan013133.pdf
Charlito Kaloy Manlupig, Chairperson , Balay Mindanaw, The Current Political,
Economic and Social Contexts in the Philippines Center-Periphery Disparities,
http://www.balaymindanaw.org/bmfi/essays/2011/07kaloyberlin.htm
Session 5:
Report by Group 1:
How does the Philippine State interpret, apply and abide IHRL? What principles govern the
application of international human rights law in domestic enforcement? What problems or hindrances
do you see in HR enforcement in the Philippines? How do you propose to overcome these problems or
hindrances?
2.2
Constitution
Diane A. Desierto, A Universalist History of the 1987 Philippine Constitution (II), 11 Historia
Constiticional (2010), pp. 468-484. Accessed at
http://www.historiaconstitucional.com/index.php/historiaconstitucional/article/viewFile/277/244
2.3

Incorporation Theory: 1987 Constitution, Art. II, sec. 2

Magallona, The Supreme Court and International Law: Problems and Approaches in
Philippine Practice, UP Law Center (2010).
2.3.1.
Customary Norms
Filartiga v. Pena-Irala, 630 F.2d 876 (2d. Cir. 1980)
Kadic v. Karadzic 70 F. 3d 232 (2nd. Cir. 1995)
2.3.2.
Conventional Norms
Vazquez, Four Doctrines of Self-executing Treaties, 89 Am. J. Intl L. 695 (1995)

2.4 Specific Articles on HR

Const. Art. XII, sec. 20, 21
1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties Art. 2
Cases:
In re Garcia, 2 SCRA 984
Sec. Of Justice v. Lantion 322 SCRA 160
Kuroda v. Jalandoni 83 Phil 171
Abbas v. Comelec 179 SCRA 287
Secretary v. Lantion 322 SCRA 160
Pharmaceutical And Healthcare Asso. v. Duque 53 SCRA 265
Philip Morris v. CA 224 SCRA 576
Ang Ladlad Party v. Comelec

2.5
Rights

The Rights Way at the Municipal Level: Enforceability and Justiciability of Human

Diane A. Desierto, UBI JUS NON REMEDIUM: How Insufficient Secondary Rules
Diminish the Coercive Force of International Human Rights Primary Rule, PLJ,
Volume 78, No. 3, March 2004

RP vs. Sandoval, et al., G.R. No. 84607 (19 March 1993)

Subayco v. Sandiganbayan G.R. Nos. 117267-117310 (August 22, 1996)
Burgos, Sr. vs Chief of Staff, AFP, 133 SCRA 800 (G.R. No. 64261 December 26, 1984)
Marcos Vs. Manglapus 177 SCRA 668 (G.R. No. 88211 September 15, 1989)
Session 6:
2.6 Focus on the Marginalized and Vulnerable Groups
2.6.1.
Women and Gender
RA 8353: Anti-Rape Law
RA 8505: Rape-Victim Assistance and Protection Act
RA 7877:Anti Sexual Harassment Law
RA 9208: Anti-Trafficking of Persons Law
RA 9262: Anti-Violence Against Women Law
Garcia v. Garcia GR No. 179267 (25 June 2013)
Grace N. Mallorca-Bernabe, A Deeper Look at Violence Against Women: The Philippine Case.
Accessed at www.monitor.upeace.org/pdf/Violence%20Against%20Women%20in%20the
%20Philippines.pdf
Maria Rowena Amelia V. Guanzon, LEGAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF
BATTERED WOMAN SYNDROME AS A DEFENSE, Volume 86, No. 1, January 2012.
Feminist Analysis:
Glenda T. Litong, ANTI-MAIL ORDER BRIDE LEGISLATION AND FEMINIST LEGAL
THEORY: AN INQUIRY TOWARDS A RESCRIPT OF THE DIASPORIC FILIPINO BRIDE
PHENOMENON IN THE PHILIPPINES, PLJ, Volume 86, No. 1, January 2012.
Report by Group 2 & 3:
Choose from any of the following Marginalized Groups: What is the context of the particular
group and what rights are most affected? Are the rights guaranteed? How are they interpreted? What
problems do you see in the ensuring their rights? What are your proposals?
2.6.2
Persons with Disabilities
2.6.3
LGBTs
2.6.4
Indigenous Peoples
2.6.5
Peasants
Session 7:
2.4 Thematic Concerns:
2.4.1.
State Violence: Internal Security Issues and Grave Human Rights Violations
(Summary Executions, Enforced Disappearances & Torture)
References:
1987 Constitution: Art. II, sec. 3; Art. VII, sec. 18; Art. X, Sec. 21; Art. XVI, sec. 4, 6;

Sec. 3, RA 8551
RA 6975
RA 7898
RA 10353
Rules on Writs of Habeas Corpus, Amparo & Habeas Data
Administrative Order 35 (Office of the President)
Burgos v. Esperon CA-GR SP. No. 99839 (18 March 2013)
Sec. of National Defense v. Manalo G..R. No. 180906, 7 October 2008, 568 SCRA
Balao v. GMA, G.R. No. 186050
Razon v. Tagitis G.R. No. 182498, 3 December 2009 (Decision) 16, February 2010
(Resolution denying Motion for Reconsideration)
Rodriguez v. GMA G.R. No. 191805 15 November 2011
Ladaga v. Mapagu G.R. No. 189689 13 November 2012
Ricardo A. Sunga III, PROTECTING THE CHILDREN OF THE LOST, PLJ, Volume 86, No.
4, July 2012.
Christian D. Pangilinan, THE DISPUTE OVER EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS: THE NEED
TO DEFINE EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS AS STATE-SPONSORED ACTS, PLJ, Volume 86, No. 4,
July 2012
Session 8:
Report by Group 4:
Are there human rights issues and implications in business? Given the Philippine context,
please cite case studies? What rights are involved? What are the obligations of the State? What are the
possible violations of human rights? How should the violations or the human rights problem addressed?
2.4.2 Business and Human Rights
UN Ruggie Framework
Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum 133 S. Ct. 1659, 185 L. Ed. 2d 671 (2013) [2013 BL 103044]
2.5

The Right to an Effective Remedy

Read Optional Protocols to pertinent human rights conventions

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CoreInstruments.aspx
RA 10368, Marcos Compensation Law
RA 10353, Reparative Remedies
Aberca v. Ver
People v. Lumanog
Lejano v. People
Estate of Ferdinand Marcos Human Rights Litigation, Hilao v. Estate of Marcos 25 F. 3d 1467
Dinah Shelton, Remedies in International Human Rights Law, 2d ed., 2005). Accessed at
http://scholarship.law.gwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1234&context=faculty_publications

Dinah Shelton, The Jurisprudence of Human Rights Tribunals on Remedies for Human Rights
Violations, in INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND VICTIMS' RIGHTS 57
(J. F. Flauss ed., 2009). Accessed at http://scholarship.law.gwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1232&context=faculty_publications.
Jon M. Van Dyke, The Fundamental Right of the Marcos Human Rights Victims to
Compensation, PLJ, Volume 76, No. 2, December 2001
Optional Readings:
3. Integration of the Rights-Based Approach
Read Parts I & II, Chapters 1 to 3.
http://www.hrbatoolkit.org/?page_id=1323
Administrative Order 249, s. 2008, Office of the President
Rudyard A. Avila III, Assessing the Human Rights Effect of the Public Health response to the
aids epidemic: A model for balancing societys concerns against individual and patient rights, PLJ,
Volume 67, Second Quarter December 1992 .
Jacqueline Joyce F. Espenilla, Disaster, Displacement and Duty: The Application of
International Human Rights Law to Philippine Relief and Recovery, PLJ, Volume 84, No. 4, November
2010
E. (Leo) D. Battad, The Theory and Practice of Negotiations: Mainstreaming the Human
Rights-Based Approach in Conflict Situation, PLJ, Volume 85, No. 3, April 2011.
Ricky A. Sabornay Diana Lyn B. Bello Ana Patricia R. Tobias, A Case Concerning Human
Rights in Relation to Environmental Protection (Republic of Acqunomol Applicant V. Republic of
Rasawair Respondent Memorial) PLJ, Volume 85, No. 1, November 2010