Includes bibliographical references (p. xxxiii-xl) and index.

The concept of human rights : from morality to law : the abolition of slavery -- Guaranteeing human rights by treaty : is there a right to a safe and healthy environment? -- 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 civil strife and armed conflict? -- Who is obligated to promote and protect human rights : oil exploration and exploitation in the Niger River Delta -- Domestic enforcement mechanisms : are states' courts bound to apply international human rights norms? -- UN mechanisms for addressing violations of human rights : what petition and other procedures are available for implementing human rights standards? -- The European system for the protection of human rights : can regional systems to protect human rights be more effective than UN mechanisms? -- Human rights in the Americas : responding to disappearances in Argentina -- Coercing compliance with human rights norms : sanctions and armed intervention : can the international community prevent human rights violations by threatening or using force? -- International criminal law : can we deter human rights violations by using the criminal justice process? -- The problem of fact-finding and evidence : how are human rights violations investigated? -- Human rights and foreign policy : the United States-China relationship.