International human rights law is based on fundamental principles that guide the protection and interpretation of human rights. These principles provide the foundation for understanding how rights apply to all individuals and how States must act.
PUBLIC LEGAL REFERENCE
Core Human Rights Principles
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Human dignity is a central principle of human rights law. It recognises that every person has inherent worth and should be treated with respect regardless of status, nationality or personal circumstances.
Universality means that human rights belong to all people. Human rights are not dependent on citizenship, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender or other personal characteristics.
Equality requires that individuals are protected equally under the law. Non-discrimination prohibits unfair treatment based on characteristics such as race, sex, religion, disability or other protected status.
Human rights are interconnected. Civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights support and depend upon each other and cannot be considered in complete isolation.
Accountability requires States and other responsible actors to answer for violations of human rights obligations. Legal systems, courts and monitoring institutions assist in addressing violations and providing remedies.
The rule of law requires that legal systems operate fairly, consistently and according to established principles. It protects individuals from arbitrary use of power.
Students should understand principles including dignity, equality, non-discrimination, universality and the protection of fundamental rights.
Students should understand the key principles of human rights law: dignity, universality, equality, non-discrimination, interdependence, accountability and the rule of law.