Instructions:
Choose only ONE question to answer.
The word limit is 2000 (Two Thousand) words (NOT including footnotes/bibliography)
Before starting work on your coursework, you MUST read the accompanying Guidance and listen to the Panopto podcast on the Alphabet of Mistakes! These will both be made available soon.
Questions:
Modern Slavery (People as Property)
“Modern slavery-related crimes encompass some of the worst abuses of humanity, by humanity. [Legislators] have a critical role in combatting these abuses; nationally, by ensuring effective legislation is in place, and internationally, by the setting and sharing of best practice laws and initiatives to ensure a globally coordinated approach to eradicate these crimes.” (Commonwealth Parliamentary Association)
With reference to the law in England and Wales, critically examine the adequacy of the legislative framework in combatting modern slavery.
Property, the Environment and Human Rights
“A safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment is integral to the full enjoyment of a wide range of human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water and sanitation. Without a healthy environment, we are unable to fulfil our aspirations.” (Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights)
Giving examples, critically illustrate the truth (or otherwise) of the above statement with respect to the regulation and availability of environmentally-friendly housing in England and Wales.
Land and Shelter as a Human Right
“COVID 19 has highlighted the importance of housing with many governments advising individuals to stay at home in order to save lives. It is however impossible to stay at home if an individual does not have a home. The right to adequate housing is therefore essential to life and should be protected as a human right not just in international law, but also in national law.” (Anon)
Drawing on examples from at least 2 jurisdictions, critically consider the above statement in light of arguments for and against the protection of the right to housing in national law.
Land and Land Reform in Africa
“Strengthening women’s ownership, control, and use of land… matters for poverty and shared prosperity, as unequal property rights can lead to intrahousehold inequality in wealth; …lost economic output and productivity growth; and [the loss of] women’s control over household resources and spending decisions, with welfare implications for this generation and the next.” (World Bank)
Using examples from at least 2 jurisdictions, critically discuss the above statement with respect to land reform in emerging and developing economies in Africa.
Foreign Direct Investment in the UK Property Market
“A number of studies have already looked into the London housing market’s status as a safe haven for those fleeing uncertainty, often driven by corruption, or those seeking a safe place to launder illicit wealth. They indicate that periods of intense investment have a measurable and direct impact on house prices throughout the capital.” (Anon)
Considering the absence of a right to housing in the UK, critically discuss whether you believe a government-led response is warranted to prevent the economic difficulties brought on by foreign direct investment in the housing market?