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International Commission on Human Rights
International human rights law is a body of law that establishes the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled, regardless of their nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status. This legal framework creates obligations for states to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights.
The foundation of international human rights law lies in treaties, conventions, declarations, and customary international law. These instruments establish universal standards that transcend national boundaries and provide a common legal language for human rights protection worldwide.
ICOHR works within this legal framework to promote understanding, implementation, and enforcement of international human rights law. We help translate legal principles into practical protection for individuals and communities, ensuring that human rights law serves its fundamental purpose: protecting human dignity everywhere.
International human rights law derives from multiple sources that together create a comprehensive legal framework.
Legally binding agreements between states that establish specific human rights obligations. Once a state ratifies a treaty, it becomes legally bound to comply with its provisions and is subject to monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
Legal rules that have developed through consistent state practice over time, accepted as legally binding. Some human rights principles, such as the prohibition of torture and genocide, are considered customary law binding on all states.
Judgments and advisory opinions from international courts and tribunals that interpret and develop human rights law. These decisions help clarify the meaning and scope of human rights obligations.
Fundamental legal principles recognized by civilized nations, such as the principle of human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination. These principles underpin and guide the interpretation of human rights law.
These fundamental principles guide the interpretation and application of all human rights law.
Human rights are universal—they belong to every person, everywhere, at all times. No one can be denied their human rights on the basis of their nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, or any other characteristic.
All human rights are interconnected and interdependent. Civil and political rights cannot be fully enjoyed without economic, social, and cultural rights, and vice versa. They form one integrated system.
All people are equal in dignity and rights. Human rights law prohibits discrimination on any grounds and requires states to ensure equal protection and equal access to rights for everyone.
The inherent worth and dignity of every human being is the foundation of all human rights. This principle recognizes that every person has intrinsic value and deserves respect and protection.
States and other actors are accountable for respecting, protecting, and fulfilling human rights. Mechanisms exist to hold violators accountable and provide remedies to victims.
People have the right to participate in decisions that affect their rights. Meaningful participation empowers individuals and communities and strengthens human rights protection.
States have three types of obligations under international human rights law.
States must refrain from interfering with or limiting the enjoyment of human rights. This means not violating rights directly and ensuring that state actions do not infringe upon people's rights.
States must protect individuals and groups against human rights abuses by third parties, including private actors, corporations, and other non-state entities. This requires effective laws, institutions, and enforcement mechanisms.
States must take positive action to facilitate the enjoyment of human rights. This includes creating an enabling environment, providing services and resources, and progressively realizing economic, social, and cultural rights.
How ICOHR works to promote, implement, and enforce international human rights law worldwide.
ICOHR conducts in-depth research on international human rights law, analyzing how laws are interpreted, applied, and enforced. Our research contributes to legal scholarship and informs advocacy efforts.
We provide legal assistance to victims of human rights violations, helping them understand their rights under international law and access available legal remedies and mechanisms.
ICOHR assists governments in aligning national laws with international human rights standards. We help draft legislation, review existing laws, and recommend reforms to ensure compliance with international obligations.
We provide education and training on international human rights law for judges, lawyers, government officials, and civil society. This helps build capacity to understand and apply human rights law effectively.
ICOHR advocates for the development and strengthening of international human rights law where gaps exist. We participate in treaty negotiations, provide expert input, and push for stronger legal protections.
We engage in strategic litigation to advance human rights law, represent victims in international and regional courts, and submit amicus briefs that help shape legal interpretation and precedent.
The ability of rights to be enforced through legal proceedings. ICOHR works to ensure that human rights are justiciable and that effective remedies are available.
Economic, social, and cultural rights must be progressively realized using maximum available resources. States must demonstrate continuous progress toward full realization.
In exceptional circumstances, states may temporarily suspend certain rights, but this is strictly limited and subject to conditions. Some rights are non-derogable under any circumstances.
International human rights law has evolved significantly since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. What began as aspirational principles has developed into a comprehensive legal system with binding treaties, monitoring mechanisms, and enforcement procedures.
Today, international human rights law covers virtually every aspect of human life—from civil and political freedoms to economic, social, and cultural rights. New treaties continue to emerge, addressing contemporary challenges and protecting vulnerable groups.
ICOHR plays an active role in this evolution, contributing to the development of new legal standards, strengthening existing ones, and ensuring that human rights law remains relevant and effective in protecting human dignity in a changing world.
Regional human rights systems complement global international law and provide additional protection mechanisms.
The European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights provide strong regional protection mechanisms, setting precedents that influence international law.
The Inter-American Commission and Court of Human Rights protect rights in the Americas, with a strong focus on individual complaints and comprehensive case law.
The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights includes unique concepts like peoples' rights and emphasizes duties alongside rights, reflecting regional values and priorities.
Emerging and developing regional systems in Asia, the Arab world, and elsewhere are contributing to the global framework of human rights protection.
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