Human rights are at a crossroads. This book considers how these rights can be reconstructed in challenging times, with changes in the pathways to the realization of human rights and new developments in human rights law and policy, illustrated with case studies from Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Contesting Human Rights traces the balance between the dynamics of diffusion, resistance and innovation in the field. The book examines a range of issues from the effectiveness of norm-promotion by advocacy campaigns to the backlash facing human rights advocates. The expert contributors suggest that new opportunities at and below the state level, and creative contests of global governance, can help reconstruct human rights in the face of modern challenges. Critical case studies trace new pathways emerging in the United Nations' Universal Periodic Review, regional human rights courts, constitutional incorporation of international norms, and human rights cities. With its innovative approach to human rights and comprehensive coverage of global, national and regional trends, Contesting Human Rights will be an invaluable tool for scholars and students of human rights, global governance, law and politics. It will also be useful for human rights advocates with a keen interest in the evolution of the human rights landscape. Contributors include: G. Andreopoulos, C. Apodaca, P.M. Ayoub, A. Brysk, P. Elizalde, A. Feldman, M. Goodhart, C. Hillebrecht, P.C. McMahon, S. Meili, M. Mullinax, A. Murdie, B. Park, W. Sandholtz, M. Stohl

Written by one of the world's leading academics in the field of the law of international organizations, this book provides what it claims to offer. It is an introduction as it gives in a nutshell an easy-to-read general overview. It is advanced in the sense that it is written on the basis of profound knowledge of the field, and it has an excellent bibliography for those who want more. Like Rembrandt in his later works, Jan Klabbers is painting with broad strokes, in his own style, providing those who are not experts in the field a modern framework for better understanding international organizations and their law.' - Niels Blokker, Leiden University, the Netherlands'International organizations are a major factor in world affairs and in all areas of human collaboration. This book is a valuable resource next to existing textbooks and treatises on international institutional law. It offers a concise and engaging account of the role of international organisations and, in clear language, sets out what is the legal framework for their manifold activities and political operations. Great reading, and the essential introduction to international organisations as political and legal actors in the world today.' - Catherine Broelmann, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands 'This book offers far more than an introduction - even an advanced one. It is an essential tool for the understanding of, and further research on, international organizations. It is full of insight and original analysis.' - Marc Weller, University of Cambridge and Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, UK 'This book provides an excellent introduction to the law of international organizations, with a succinct and up-to-date analysis of the law. It is a very welcome addition to the literature on the subject and is by an established author in the field. It places the law in a wider political context, making it an interesting book for readers interested in both international law and international relations. The content and the style of presentation make the book accessible for readers at both introductory and advanced level.' - Surya Subedi, University of Leeds, UK and the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Cambodia Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This highly readable introduction gives a nuanced overview of the legal mechanisms behind the operation of international organizations such as the UN, the EU and the World Bank. It offers perceptive insights by placing the law of international organizations in a political context and presents a systematic discussion of a variety of relevant legal notions, ranging from the powers of international organizations to mechanisms of accountability. Written by a leading authority on the topic, it provides a concise and accessible examination of this developing facet of international law. Key features include: - Well-written and clearly organized arguments - Up-to-date with the latest developments - A focus on the bigger picture, rather than any one detail - Discusses law in a global context.

The securitization that accompanied many national responses after 11 September 2001, along with the shortfalls of neo-liberalism, created waves of opposition to the growth of the human rights regime. By chronicling the continuing contest over the reach, range, and regime of rights, Contracting Human Rights analyzes the way forward in an era of many challenges. Through an examination of both global and local challenges to human rights, including loopholes, backlash, accountability, and new opportunities to move forward, the expert contributors analyze trends across multiple-issue areas. These include; international institutions, humanitarian action, censorship and communications, discrimination, human trafficking, counter-terrorism, corporate social responsibility and civil society and social movements. The topical chapters also provide a comprehensive review of the widening citizenship gaps in human rights coverage for refugees, women?s rights in patriarchal societies, and civil liberties in chronic conflict. This timely study will be invaluable reading for academics, upper-level undergraduates, and those studying graduate courses relating to international relations, human rights, and global governance. Contributors include: K. Ainley, G. Andreopolous, C. Apodaca, P. Ayoub, Y. Bei, N. Bennett, K. Caldwell, F. Cherif, M. Etter, J. Faust, S. Ganesh, F. Gomez Isa, A. Jimenez-Bacardi, N. Katona, B. Linder, K. Lukas, J. Planitzer, W. Sandholtz, G. Shafir, C. Stohl, M. Stohl, A. Vestergaard, C. Wright

The Elgar Encyclopedia of Environmental Law is a landmark reference work, providing definitive and comprehensive coverage of this dynamic field. Each volume probes the key elements of law, the essential concepts, and the latest research through concise, structured entries written by international experts. Each entry includes an extensive bibliography as a starting point for further reading. The mix of authoritative commentary and insightful discussion will make this an essential tool for research and teaching, as well as a valuable resource for professionals and policymakers. Environmental issues are at the heart of some of the most complex and consequential decisions that society must face in pursuit of a more sustainable future. They encompass the international, national, and local levels and engage all branches of government. Decision Making in Environmental Law, one of the constituent volumes in the Elgar Encyclopedia of Environmental Law, brings together some of the leading experts in the field and provides a structured overview of the various dimensions of decision making from an environmental law perspective. The concise and accessible chapters provide an international scope and detailed bibliographies that allow readers to explore issues in depth. Topics include: the role of treaties, common law tools, rulemaking, access to information, regulatory structures, market-based and trading mechanisms, monitoring and reporting, voluntary programs and private regulation, environmental impact analysis, public engagement and environmental justice, administrative and judicial review, and the role of environmental courts and tribunals. This volume offers a complete exploration of the complicated issue of environmental decision making. It is ideal as an introduction for students, as a reference point for scholars, and as a comprehensive guide for practitioners. Contributors include: W.L. Andreen, J. Broderick, C. Bruch, N.S. Bryner, W.W. Buzbee, C. Coglianese, K.S. Coplan, E. Daly, E.A. DeGroff, J.C. Dernbach, D.M. Driesen, H. Elliott, K.H. Engel, V.B. Flatt, R.L. Glicksman, E. Hammond, R.L. Hill, S.B. Krolikowski, B.C. Karkkainen, I.E. Kornfeld, G.J. S. Leal, M. Lee, G. Levitt, S.E. Light, J. Makowiak, D.R. Mandelker, B.C. Mank, J.R. May, K. Morrow, J. Nash, S.F. Nolon, D. Owen, L.C. Paddock. C. Pring, G. Pring, A. Sinden, W.M. Tabb, G. Van Hoorick, M.P. Vandenbergh, M.A. Wenisch, J.A. Wentz, M.C. Wood, S. Zellmer

This groundbreaking book offers a compelling articulation of the right of access to justice for individuals facing human rights violations by international organizations. Following an examination of the human rights obligations of a variety of international organizations, the author scrutinizes their dispute settlement mechanisms as well as the conflict between their immunities and the right of access to justice before national jurisdictions. Highlighting recent examples, such as the cholera outbreak in Haiti, this book reveals how individual victims of human rights violations by international organizations are frequently left in the cold, due to the lack of an independent, impartial dispute settlement mechanism before which they can file such claims. Considering both global mechanisms and current mechanisms established by international organisations such as administrative jurisdictions for employment-related disputes, Pierre Schmitt finds that they either are not competent or that they have a limited scope. He concludes by offering normative proposals addressed both to international organizations and to national judges confronted with such cases. Offering a wealth of empirical and practical wisdom, this book will appeal to scholars in public international law and human rights. It is also a must-read for practitioners, judges and legal advisers working in the field and will prove a useful tool for national authorities negotiating immunity conventions with international organizations.

International economic law and human rights have been rapidly evolving and expanding in recent decades. This collection grew out of a central objective to explore methods of domestic engagement with international trade and human rights norms, and the inherent difficulties in establishing balanced links between these two international law regimes. It does so by providing an analysis of global regulation and the impact of international organizations on domestic laws. Through conceptual and structural analysis coupled with local analysis and a China-focused case study, this book investigates the socio-legal dimension of the interaction between international economic law and human rights, and particularly the relationships between local arrangements and international legal regulations and rules. The common thread of the chapters in this collection is a focus on the application of socio-legal normative paradigms in building knowledge and policy support for coordinating local performance with international trade and human rights standards in ways that are mutually sustaining. The authors also suggest new approaches to government policies on trade development and human rights protection. The substantive excellence and complexity of the research presented make it an excellent resource for students and scholars of International Law. Contributors include: S. Biddulph, L. Biukovic, E. Cedillo, T. Cottier, D. Drache, M. Hirsch, M. Mitrani, E.-U. Petersmann, P. Potter, N. Ramirez-Espinosa, L. Toohey, V. Vadi

Providing insights on the products of a unique period for academic research in international economics, this review is an important piece of literature for a vital area of study. Highlighting main issues such as welfare gains and losses, trade patterns and international transaction interventions, the author provides a timely and comprehensive research review on the heavily debated topic of international trade and investment.

Energy security is a burning issue in a world where 1.4 billion people still have no access to electricity. This book is about finding solutions for energy security through the international trading system. Focusing mainly on the European Union as a case study, this holistic and comprehensive analysis of the existing legal and geopolitical instruments strives to identify the shortcomings of the international and EU energy trade governance systems, concluding with the notion of a European Energy Union and what the EU is politically prepared to accept as part of its unified energy security. This snapshot of multilateral, regional and bilateral energy trade governance deals with energy transit from the perspective of the Energy Charter Treaty as a means to enhance EU energy security, and examines the system of law and governance of international trade in unconventional fossil fuels. The authors analyze concerns that arise from preferential trade agreements and renewable energy from the EU's perspective, and explain how the EU can diversify its energy supply to improve its energy security. This book will be of interest to students, scholars, lawyers, economists, policymakers, and think tanks dealing with the links between energy security and international trade, as well as those communities relating to other energy-related disciplines.

Informed by international law, international relations and environment management scholarship, this interdisciplinary analysis of environmental regimes in Asian subregions proposes a new regime for the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau based on China's cooperation with its south Asian neighbors. After evaluating the nine existing environmental regimes across the subregions of southwest, central, southeast and northeast Asia, Simon Marsden proposes a tenth regime for the cross subregion in south and east Asia known as the Third Pole. The role of China in connection with each of the existing agreements-as lender, dialogue partner or Party-is a key aspect of the analysis, considering it in developmental, legal and political contexts. Conclusions recommend future research to progress efforts in developing such a regime and caution the need for context in any legal transplant. This book will have a strong appeal for international environmental law and environmental planning and management researchers. Meanwhile those in international relations or international politics will find valuable insights in the book's exploration of relationships between the states of each subregion and China, whilst coverage of the regulation of oil and gas, hydroelectricity and exploitation of other resources will be of great interest to energy law scholars and practitioners.

The Elgar Encyclopedia of Environmental Law is a landmark reference work, providing definitive and comprehensive coverage of this dynamic field. Each volume probes the key elements of law, the essential concepts, and the latest research through concise, structured entries written by international experts. Each entry includes an extensive bibliography as a starting point for further reading. The mix of authoritative commentary and insightful discussion will make this an essential tool for research and teaching, as well as a valuable resource for professionals and policymakers. This volume of the Elgar Encyclopedia of Environmental Law presents a structured overview and selective analysis of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). These agreements encompass the regulating aspects of the protection, conservation, management, use and exploitation of living and natural resources in various areas including biodiversity, fisheries, marine environment, shared freshwater resources, atmosphere, climate change, human rights, and polar regions. The expert contributions offer critical analysis and a concise but informative approach that provides a comprehensive introduction to each agreement as well as to the broader landscape of MEAs. The book guides the reader through the multifarious conventional regulation of each area of environmental protection, both at the global and regional levels. It details the path from the first post-war sectorial attempts at introducing international pieces of conventional environmental regulation to the booming of environmental instruments of the 1990s and the recent fertile period of new MEAs and their exponential growth. Each entry includes an overview of the topic, a concise review of current knowledge, new directions for cutting-edge research and a detailed bibliography to facilitate further reading. This comprehensive, topical and accessible volume is an essential resource for environmental law practitioners, students and scholars seeking a broad overview of MEAs, concise explanations of individual agreements, and avenues for research. Contributors include: R. Bates, L. Chiussi, C. Contartese, M.E. Desmond, A. Dizdarevic, G.M. Farnelli, E. Fasoli, M. Fitzmaurice, S. Goldberg, E.J. Goodwin, S. Gruber, C. Ibe, F.R. Jacur, K. Kakkaiyadi, E.A. Kirk, J.V. Kohler, I. Krasnova, V. Lanovoy, M. Lewis, P. Merkouris, G.A. Oanta, A. Papantoniou, N. Popattanachai, A. Powers, T.H. Reis, F. Seatzu, F. Sindico, K. Steenmans, A. Tanzi, A. Trouwborst, M.S. Wong, M. Yzquierdo, F. Zaharia

Through original and incisive contributions from leading scholars, this book applies economics and other rational choice methods to understanding public international law, providing a birds-eye view on some of its most fundamental elements from the perspective of economics. The chapters cover a range of topics, beginning with the building blocks of the nation state, and continuing with the sources and the enforcement of international law and its various applications and extensions. The application of economic analysis to public international law is still in its formative stages, and Economic Analysis of International Law provides a useful overview, as well as setting directions for new research. This volume provides a path through recent literature while identifying new areas and issues for research, making it an invaluable resource for scholars of public international law. Contributors include: A. Bell, T. Broude, B.L. Coggins, T. Ginsburg, A. Guzman, I. Kala, E. Kontorovich, J.D. Morrow, F. Parisi, D. Pi, E. Spolaore, P.B. Stephan, A. van Aaken

Public Private Partnership for WTO Dispute Settlement is an interdisciplinary work examining the growing interaction between business entities and public officials. Crucially, it identifies how this relationship can enable developing countries to effectively utilize the provisions of the World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement Understanding (WTO DSU). Building on more than five years of empirical investigation, Amrita Bahri reflects on the dispute settlement partnership experiences of the top DSU users from the developed and developing world. This enables her to evaluate a diverse range of dispute settlement partnership strategies, which have allowed the governments involved to harness resources and expertise from the private sector. With practical suggestions on dispute settlement capacity building, this book provides a roadmap to policymakers, industry representatives and legal professionals on how to effectively engage with business entities for the resolution of international trade conflicts. It also provides a template for teaching and research activities to scholars focusing on international trade law, development studies and international dispute settlement.

This thoughtful book provides an overview of the major developments in the theory and practice of 'environmental justice'. It illustrates the direction of the evolution of rights of nature and exposes the diverse meanings and practical uses of the concept of environmental justice in different jurisdictions, and their implications for the law, society and the environment. The term 'environmental justice' has different meanings to different scholars and is applied in many different contexts. For some, the focus is on equal distribution of the earth's benefits, with concern for the interests of the less wealthy, disadvantaged minorities, or indigenous peoples. For others, the focus is on the interests of the earth and nature itself. Additionally, for some, environmental justice is a framework for discourse, whilst for others it connotes specific legal principles and procedures. The application of these interpretations through the law involves diverse approaches and rules. In this timely book, expert contributors identify the meanings and the practical translations of environmental justice, reflecting the perspectives of academic, judicial and indigenous people from many countries. Among the issues considered are the rights of nature and its application through judicial practice, and approaches to respecting the laws, cultures and the rights of Indigenous peoples. This integrated exploration of the topic will provide an excellent resource for scholars, judicial officers and practitioners interested in environmental and social justice issues. Contributors: J. Aseron, S.Z. Bigdeli, K. Bosselmann, C. Chaulk, J.I. Colon-Rios, D. Craig, T. Daya-Winterbottom, W. Du Plessis, B. France-Hudson, E. Gachenga, S. Glazebrook, L. Godden, N. Greymorning, R. Karky, A. Keene, A. Kennedy, J. Khatarina, P. Martin, E. O'Connell, M. Perry, W. Phromlah, B.J. Preston, V. Rive, J.G. Rose, M.A. Santosa, A.S. Suwana, A. Telesetsky, J. Williams

'James R. May and Erin Daly, household names in global environmental constitutionalism, have produced a magnum opus on human rights and the environment. An encyclopedia studded with precious research, analysis and wisdom from eminent voices from all over the world. The timing of the publication is auspicious. It coincides with the first ever Report of the UN Secretary General on International Environmental Law towards a Global Pact for the Environment. The encyclopedia is a must have for all students and scholars of human dignity and sustainable development, and particularly for those that will, hopefully, craft the Global Pact for the Environment into hard law on the model of the International Covenants on Human Rights.' - Parvez Hassan, IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law and Pakistan Environmental Law Association 'Is the Environment about the birds and the bees, the flowers and the trees? Or is It about the vital organs of Life on Earth - the Land, Air, and Waters? (LAW). This marvelous work by James R. May and Erin Daly, and the contributors, world champions of the human right to Life and to the Sources of Life, could not be more timely. When we finally understand that the Environment is Life itself, then we will truly care for the LAW of Life that Human Rights and the Environment envelops.' - Antonio Oposa, Jr., Litigator, Educator, Organizer and Activist Much has been written, discussed, advocated and litigated about human rights and the environment over the last two decades. With 45 structured entries from a global collection of expert scholars, this volume of the Elgar Encyclopedia of Environmental Law provides an authoritative source of reference and features new commentary on the role of the rule of law in responding to the variegated impacts of environmental challenges on the human condition. This comprehensive volume offers fresh perspectives to the conversation by focusing especially on four subjects that shed new light on the subject of environmental human rights: the challenges of identifying the fundamental legal sources for the protection of human rights and the environment, the recognition of the indivisibility of human rights and environmental law, the centrality of the right to human dignity as the lodestar of human rights law, and the uniqueness of geographic particularities. Fundamentally, the entries demonstrate that there is much to do, learn and share on this vital topic. Offering thoughtful critical perspectives on a timely subject, this volume will be an essential resource for academics and students, as well as policymakers and practitioners. Contributors include: S. Adelman, N. Ahuja, C. Anant Malviya, A. Awal Khan, L. Benjamin, D. Bonilla Maldonado, R. Bratspies, C. Bruch, M. Burger, C. Butler, A. Carlson, C. Cournil, P. Coventry, E. Daly, K. Davies, R. Dhingra, R.J. Donato Quan, E. Gebre, C. Guneratne, A.M. Hammadeen, B. Hudson, C. Iorns Magallanes, V. Karageorgou, A. Kariuki, A. Kenmogne Simo, J.H. Knox, G.J. Kounga, A. Kreilhuber, S. Lamdan, R. Libel Waldman, K.E. Makuch, S.-J.-T. Manga, P. Martin, J.R. May, A. Mboya, S.O. McKenzie, M.A. Mekouar, D. Misiedjan, E. Mrema, R. Mwanza, D.S. Olawuyi, N. Osborne, O.W. Pedersen, J. Pendergrass, M.-C. Petersmann, M. Prieur, S.R. Rajan, L. Reins, J.M. Rivero Godoy, D.N. Scott, A. Solntsev, M. Stevenson, D.B. Suagee, A. Thomas, S.J. Turner, G. Van Hoorick, L. Vandenhende, J. Wentz, W. Yun Santoso

Water and the Law examines the critical relationship between law and the management of water resources in the context of ensuring environmental sustainability. It highlights the central importance of integrated water resources management and cooperation in achieving sustainability.The book considers two broad themes that are critical for life on Earth: how law can contribute to the sustainability of water itself and how the law s regulation of water can contribute to the sustainability of life both human life as well as that of other species in their natural environment. The expert contributors highlight that current approaches to water governance embrace integrated water resources management and appreciation of the holistic nature of the hydrological cycle. In addition to the recognition of the nature of water, there is also an apparent need for addressing water concerns in a cooperative manner. Capturing the complexities and challenges of protecting water as a resource on the one hand and utilizing it as a service on the other, this thought-provoking book will prove a valuable resource for researchers and students of both water law, and the nexus of environmental law with human rights. Contributors include: H. Alebachew, A. Bodart, T. Daya-Winterbottom, C. Dutra, D.E. Fisher, A. Foerster, E.B. Kasimbazi, G. Keremane, N. Lugaresi, V.G. Magalhaes, J. McKay, A.R. Paterson, R. Pejan, S. Pollard, M. van Rijswick, M.D. dos Santos, J.C.L. da Silva, N. Soininen, I.U. Tappeiner, D. du Toit, P. Wouters, Z. Wu

This book offers a novel perspective on the leading concept of harmonisation, advocating the mutual benefits and practical utility of harmonised law. Theoretical models and factors for harmonisation are explored in detail. Antonios E. Platsas acknowledges a range of additional factors and presents harmonisation as a widely applicable and useful theory. The Harmonisation of National Legal Systems gives an in-depth insight into the fundamental aspects of harmonisation, including the world of free trade, recognition of human rights and open socio-political systems. Two distinct models for the effective harmonisation of legal systems are explored: a general model and a specific model. The general model relates to minor formal changes introduced in the domestic sphere, while the specific model relates to significant and/or constitutional changes that would be necessitated in domestic law. These models allow for the effective implementation of harmonised legal norms in national spheres. The author examines comparative and socio-legal factors, identifies how the factors are modifiable and creates examples for the movement from theory to practice. Academics, researchers and advanced students of international, European and comparative law will find this an excellent point of reference due to the extensive exploration of the potential of harmonisation theory.