This is a practical handbook for students seeking to understand, explain and redress human rights problems in the world. Written in a clear and accessible manner, it provides students with the conceptual frameworks and methodological tools to approach issues in the field of human rights. Part 1 maps the civil, political, economic, legal and social bases of human rights. It also outlines the key problems in human rights and delineates the legal and political structures which defend human rights. Part II explains how the dominant social science theories and both qualitative and quantitative research methods apply to the study of human rights. Part III examines some of the key issues in the study of human rights including development, democratisation, women and human rights, international migration and international intervention. The book's problem-orientation and methodological emphasis make this an invaluable book for students, practitioners and policymakers with an interest in human rights.