This course focuses on the theoretical underpinnings of the international legal regime for those who are forcibly displaced, and queries why States have agreed to protect certain categories of persons and not others, and whether this is legally and/or ethically sound. Within the framework of international refugee law, human rights law, humanitarian law and international criminal law, the course examines various aspects of forced migration, such as refugeehood, statelessness, human trafficking, flight from human rights abuses or civil war, development-induced displacement, movement due to climate change or environmental catastrophe, and migration due to lack of economic opportunities. In doing so, the course considers the legal obligations of States and international organisations to assist and protect forced migrants.

More information can be found on the Course Outline Website.