International human rights law (IHRL)

International human rights law (IHRL) governs the obligations of States towards citizens and other individuals within their jurisdiction. Human rights law enshrines the highest of human ideals, that every human being has a set of rights and freedoms. Human rights thus cannot be taken away by States and apply at all times (although specific derogations and limitations are permitted to certain rights and freedoms). Set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and a host of core treaties, IHRL plays a crucial role in the protection of all people. Human rights law also defines the rights of specific vulnerable groups like IDPs or children.

Demonstrators with police standing in front of them

Photo: Thomas Hawk

Key actors

  • United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

OHCHR has a protection mandate in humanitarian crises and participates in humanitarian coordination structures on the global and country level

  • UN commissions of inquiry, fact-finding missions and investigations

Bodies used to investigate and react to situations of serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Can be mandated by the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, the Secretary-General, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

  • Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council

Independent human rights experts with mandates to report and advise on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective

  • Amnesty International

Campaigning to end abuses of human rights, including in humanitarian crises and situations of armed conflict

  • Human Rights Watch

specialized in fact-finding, reporting and advocacy on human rights abuses in peace time, emergencies, and situations of armed conflict

PHAP certifications

Certification badge for International Legal Frameworks for Humanitarian Action (ILFHA)

Knowledge about IHRL in humanitarian action is covered by the International Legal Frameworks for Humanitarian Action (ILFHA) certification (competency domain 2).

Key references

  • International Legal Protection of Human Rights in Armed Conflict (OHCHR, 2011)

Overview of how IHRL apply in situations of armed conflict and the roles of the various UN bodies

  • Human rights and humanitarian action, an overview of the issues (ODI, 2004)

Overview of different approaches to human rights by humanitarian actors and the associated tensions and issues