LCP4807
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: August 2025
2 ESSAYS PROVIDED
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW AND ITS DISTINCTIONS WITH
HUMANITARIAN, CRIMINAL, AND REFUGEE LAW
INTRODUCTION
International Human Rights Law (IHRL) has emerged as one of the most critical branches of
Public International Law (PIL). It focuses on the protection and promotion of the fundamental
rights and freedoms of individuals and groups at both international and national levels. Its
significance was firmly established after the Second World War with the founding of the
United Nations (UN) in 1945 and the subsequent adoption of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. Before this turning point, efforts to safeguard human dignity
were scattered across other legal disciplines such as humanitarian law and labour law.
Today, IHRL stands as a comprehensive and specialised field that addresses violations of
human dignity in peacetime and during conflict, serving as a legal shield against abuses by
state actors and others in power. This essay defines international human rights law and
distinguishes it from humanitarian law, international criminal law, and international refugee
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
2 ESSAYS PROVIDED
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW AND ITS DISTINCTIONS WITH
HUMANITARIAN, CRIMINAL, AND REFUGEE LAW
INTRODUCTION
International Human Rights Law (IHRL) has emerged as one of the most critical
branches of Public International Law (PIL). It focuses on the protection and
promotion of the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and groups at both
international and national levels. Its significance was firmly established after the
Second World War with the founding of the United Nations (UN) in 1945 and the
subsequent adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.
Before this turning point, efforts to safeguard human dignity were scattered across
other legal disciplines such as humanitarian law and labour law. Today, IHRL stands
as a comprehensive and specialised field that addresses violations of human dignity
in peacetime and during conflict, serving as a legal shield against abuses by state
actors and others in power. This essay defines international human rights law and
distinguishes it from humanitarian law, international criminal law, and international
refugee law. Through this comparison, the essay highlights how each discipline
functions, where overlaps exist, and how IHRL plays a central role in the modern
legal system to uphold justice, peace, and human dignity across nations.
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW
International Human Rights Law consists of principles, rules, and legal instruments
that aim to ensure that all human beings enjoy inherent rights without discrimination.
These rights include civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, and they are
protected by legal norms arising from treaties, customary international law, and
general legal principles recognised by states. States have the obligation to respect,
protect, and fulfill these rights within their territories and jurisdiction. The UDHR, the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) form the foundational
framework of what is now known as the International Bill of Human Rights.1
Evolution of International Human Rights Law
1
United Nations General Assembly, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: August 2025
2 ESSAYS PROVIDED
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW AND ITS DISTINCTIONS WITH
HUMANITARIAN, CRIMINAL, AND REFUGEE LAW
INTRODUCTION
International Human Rights Law (IHRL) has emerged as one of the most critical branches of
Public International Law (PIL). It focuses on the protection and promotion of the fundamental
rights and freedoms of individuals and groups at both international and national levels. Its
significance was firmly established after the Second World War with the founding of the
United Nations (UN) in 1945 and the subsequent adoption of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. Before this turning point, efforts to safeguard human dignity
were scattered across other legal disciplines such as humanitarian law and labour law.
Today, IHRL stands as a comprehensive and specialised field that addresses violations of
human dignity in peacetime and during conflict, serving as a legal shield against abuses by
state actors and others in power. This essay defines international human rights law and
distinguishes it from humanitarian law, international criminal law, and international refugee
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
2 ESSAYS PROVIDED
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW AND ITS DISTINCTIONS WITH
HUMANITARIAN, CRIMINAL, AND REFUGEE LAW
INTRODUCTION
International Human Rights Law (IHRL) has emerged as one of the most critical
branches of Public International Law (PIL). It focuses on the protection and
promotion of the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and groups at both
international and national levels. Its significance was firmly established after the
Second World War with the founding of the United Nations (UN) in 1945 and the
subsequent adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.
Before this turning point, efforts to safeguard human dignity were scattered across
other legal disciplines such as humanitarian law and labour law. Today, IHRL stands
as a comprehensive and specialised field that addresses violations of human dignity
in peacetime and during conflict, serving as a legal shield against abuses by state
actors and others in power. This essay defines international human rights law and
distinguishes it from humanitarian law, international criminal law, and international
refugee law. Through this comparison, the essay highlights how each discipline
functions, where overlaps exist, and how IHRL plays a central role in the modern
legal system to uphold justice, peace, and human dignity across nations.
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW
International Human Rights Law consists of principles, rules, and legal instruments
that aim to ensure that all human beings enjoy inherent rights without discrimination.
These rights include civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, and they are
protected by legal norms arising from treaties, customary international law, and
general legal principles recognised by states. States have the obligation to respect,
protect, and fulfill these rights within their territories and jurisdiction. The UDHR, the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) form the foundational
framework of what is now known as the International Bill of Human Rights.1
Evolution of International Human Rights Law
1
United Nations General Assembly, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.
