Now in its second edition, Dinah Shelton''s pioneering book provides a uniquely accessible introduction to the history and the latest developments in international human rights law. Exploring the origins, customs and institutions that have emerged globally and regionally in the last two centuries, this incisive book guides readers through the major treaties and declarations that form the foundations of the discipline today.

Key features of this rigorously revised second edition include:

• Balanced, interdisciplinary coverage of both regional and international variations in human rights law, probing current challenges to the global regime
• Concise yet scrupulous coverage of historical and philosophical themes that have culminated in the present legal regime
• Updated statistics and ratification numbers to elucidate recent developments in human rights law.

Succinct and cutting-edge, this second edition will be an invaluable guide for seasoned academics and researchers in the field, as well as students at all levels who require a comprehensive introductory text. Its practical insights and key statistical data will also provide a versatile reference point for practitioners in the field.