While they might not be absolutely essential, especially if you're running out of time, there are some really great media articles that you could incorporate to differentiate your answers, and show the marker that you have a thorough understanding of the content.
This is especially important for contemporary issues questions, but also helps in terms of analysis for longer response questions on Human Rights instruments (which was the 7-8 marker in the 2011 Independent paper, if I recall correctly), or maybe even a longer response question on the development of human rights over time (slavery, peace rights, environment etc.).
Articles written by prominent academics are ones you should look out for, because naming them and referring briefly to their analysis, even in 1-2 lines, may just give you that extra bit of depth in a really specific longer response question.