LCP4807
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 20 AUGUST 2025
, International Human Rights Law
Defining International Human Rights Law and Its Distinction from IHL, ICL, and
IRL
Introduction
International Human Rights Law (IHRL) constitutes one of the foundational pillars of
contemporary international law. It enshrines the normative commitments of states
toward the dignity, protection, and well-being of individuals. However, it exists alongside
other specialized fields namely International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International
Criminal Law (ICL), and International Refugee Law (IRL) each with distinct objectives,
sources, and mechanisms. This essay critically defines IHRL, explains its normative and
institutional foundations, and differentiates it from IHL, ICL, and IRL. In so doing, it also
highlights the intersections and the principle of "lex specialis" when applicable.
1. Defining International Human Rights Law (IHRL)
International Human Rights Law comprises the body of international rules (treaty-based
and customary) that impose obligations on states to respect, protect, and fulfill the
human rights of individuals within their jurisdiction (UNHCR, 2025; see UNHCR master
glossary) UNHCR. Its normative core rests on the International Bill of Human Rights,
composed of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948), the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966), and the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR, 1966)
(Wikipedia, 2025) Wikipedia+1.
Key characteristics of IHRL
Universality and inalienability: All human beings are entitled to rights simply by
virtue of being human.
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 20 AUGUST 2025
, International Human Rights Law
Defining International Human Rights Law and Its Distinction from IHL, ICL, and
IRL
Introduction
International Human Rights Law (IHRL) constitutes one of the foundational pillars of
contemporary international law. It enshrines the normative commitments of states
toward the dignity, protection, and well-being of individuals. However, it exists alongside
other specialized fields namely International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International
Criminal Law (ICL), and International Refugee Law (IRL) each with distinct objectives,
sources, and mechanisms. This essay critically defines IHRL, explains its normative and
institutional foundations, and differentiates it from IHL, ICL, and IRL. In so doing, it also
highlights the intersections and the principle of "lex specialis" when applicable.
1. Defining International Human Rights Law (IHRL)
International Human Rights Law comprises the body of international rules (treaty-based
and customary) that impose obligations on states to respect, protect, and fulfill the
human rights of individuals within their jurisdiction (UNHCR, 2025; see UNHCR master
glossary) UNHCR. Its normative core rests on the International Bill of Human Rights,
composed of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948), the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966), and the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR, 1966)
(Wikipedia, 2025) Wikipedia+1.
Key characteristics of IHRL
Universality and inalienability: All human beings are entitled to rights simply by
virtue of being human.
