The Evolution of Human Rights Protection in International Law Challenges and Prospects

Authors

  • Binyam Dessalegn Hawassa University
  • Lemlem Bekele Tsegaye Hawassa University

Keywords:

Human rights, international law, legal protection, challenges, prospects

Abstract

The development of international human rights protection has undergone significant transformations, shaped by historical milestones, legal instruments, and evolving global challenges. This study examines the evolution of human rights protection in international law, focusing on key treaties, institutions, and mechanisms that have strengthened human rights enforcement. Using a qualitative approach, this research analyzes legal frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenants, and regional human rights systems. The findings reveal that while international law has made considerable progress in protecting human rights, challenges such as state sovereignty, enforcement gaps, and geopolitical interests continue to hinder its effectiveness. The study highlights the need for stronger compliance mechanisms and enhanced cooperation between international organizations and states to address these challenges. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the future of human rights protection and provide recommendations for reinforcing international legal instruments.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Alston, P., & Goodman, R. (2018). International human rights: The successor to international human rights in context. Oxford University Press.

Anghie, A. (2005). Imperialism, sovereignty, and the making of international law. Cambridge University Press.

Bianchi, A. (2016). International law theories: An inquiry into different ways of thinking. Oxford University Press.

Donnelly, J. (2013). Universal human rights in theory and practice. Cornell University Press.

Finnis, J. (2011). Natural law and natural rights. Oxford University Press.

Hafner-Burton, E. M., & Tsutsui, K. (2005). Human rights in a globalizing world: The paradox of empty promises. American Journal of Sociology, 110(5), 1373-1411.

Hart, H. L. A. (1961). The concept of law. Clarendon Press.

Hathaway, O. A. (2005). Between power and principle: An integrated theory of international law. The University of Chicago Law Review, 72(2), 469-536.

Keck, M. E., & Sikkink, K. (1998). Activists beyond borders: Advocacy networks in international politics. Cornell University Press.

Landman, T. (2018). Human rights and democracy: The precarious triumph of ideals. Bloomsbury Publishing.

McMahon, E. R., & Ascherio, M. (2012). A step ahead in promoting human rights? The Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council. Global Governance, 18(2), 231-248.

Risse, T., Ropp, S. C., & Sikkink, K. (1999). The power of human rights: International norms and domestic change. Cambridge University Press.

Schabas, W. (2017). An introduction to the International Criminal Court. Cambridge University Press.

United Nations. (1948). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights

Downloads

Published

2025-01-30

How to Cite

Binyam Dessalegn, & Lemlem Bekele Tsegaye. (2025). The Evolution of Human Rights Protection in International Law Challenges and Prospects. Journal of Progressive Law Research, 1(1), 53–58. Retrieved from https://law.ifrel.org/index.php/JPLR/article/view/42