Towards the International Protection of Indigenous Peoples' Rights

1994 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Burger ◽  
Paul Hunt
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
International Law ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
International Human Rights ◽  
International Protection ◽  
Cultural Genocide ◽  
Indigenous Movement ◽  
The Right ◽  
Human Rights Standards ◽  
First Time

This article traces the development of indigenous peoples' international activity and considers why the international indigenous movement has grown since the 1970s. The authors examine the draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples which is due to be considered by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights for the first time in early 1995. The article makes some general points about the draft declaration before looking in some detail at three of its provisions: the right to protection from ethnocide and cultural genocide, the right to guarantees in relation to cultural and intellectual property, and the provision about treaties between indigenous peoples and States. The authors argue that although these provisions build on existing international law, they constitute an innovative evolution of international human rights standards.

Re-Conceptualizing the Right to Seek and Obtain Asylum in International Law

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 303-332
Author(s):  
Salvatore Fabio Nicolosi
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
International Law ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
International Human Rights ◽  
The Past ◽  
European Court ◽  
Triggering Factor ◽  
The Right ◽  
Human Rights Standards

Over the past few years the issue of asylum has progressively become interrelated with human rights. Asylum-related stresses, including refugee flows and mass displacements, have mitigated the traditional idea of asylum as an absolute state right, in so far as international human rights standards of protection require that states may have the responsibility to provide asylum seekers with protection. Following this premise, the article argues that the triggering factor of such overturning is significantly represented by the judicial approach to the institution of asylum by regional human rights courts. After setting the background on the interrelation of asylum with human rights, this article conceptualises the right to asylum as derived from the principle of non-refoulement and to this extent it delves into the role of the two regional human rights courts, notably the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR), in order to explore whether an emerging judicial cross-fertilisation may contribute to re-conceptualisation of the right to asylum from a human rights perspective.

Linguistic Rights of Indigenous Peoples

De Jure ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Sanka ◽  
◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
International Law ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Freedom Of Expression ◽  
International Human Rights Law ◽  
Human Rights Law ◽  
International Human Rights ◽  
Linguistic Rights ◽  
The Right ◽  
Individual Human

Language plays an essential role in one’s ability to access the life opportunities offered by a society through employment, healthcare, jurisprudence, voting, education, media, etc. Linguistic rights have been designed under international human rights law to address the right to choose the language or languages for communication while accessing such opportunities. Even so, the individually held linguistic right, which evolves from general individual human rights, such as the right to freedom of expression, to privacy, to a fair trial, etc., comes with less consequences as compared to the collective linguistic rights of groups. This paper, while exploring how international law deals with linguistic rights generally, shall focus on the linguistic rights of indigenous peoples. By so doing, the author discusses various international legal instruments which envisage collective linguistic rights of indigenous peoples, highlights the challenges faced by indigenous peoples with regards to such rights, and concludes by suggesting ways by which these challenges can be surmounted.

scholarly journals Rescuing Asylum-Seeker Stranded at Sea: Malaysia’s Duty under International Law

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3.30) ◽  
pp. 182
Author(s):  
Syafiq Sulaiman ◽  
Salawati Mat Basir ◽  
Mohd Zamre Mohd Zahir
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
International Law ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Law Of The Sea ◽  
International Human Rights Law ◽  
Human Rights Law ◽  
Right To Life ◽  
International Human Rights ◽  
International Human ◽  
The Right

The protection of the right to life and the duty to rescue persons in distress at sea are the fundamental obligations under two specialized international law regimes which are the international human rights law and the law of the sea. These rules when read together form a strong protection of the human rights of the asylum-seekers stranded at sea. However, often states failed to honour this obligation for various reasons ranging from national security to economic reasons. This article will analyse Malaysia’s responsibilities as regards the right to life and the duty to rescue of these asylum-seekers. It will also identify the existing international and domestic legal framework relevant to the application of these obligations upon Malaysia and whether it has acted in breach of such obligations. The article then proceeded with suggestions for further improvement that Malaysia can adopt in order to better perform its obligations. This study is a pure doctrinal legal research which is qualitative in nature. The data used in this research is collected from library-based resources. These data were then analyzed by using methods of content analysis as well as critical analysis. The article found that Malaysia has a duty to protect the right to life under international human rights law. Additionally, Malaysia is also bound under the law of the sea to perform its duty to rescue. In view of Malaysia’s failure to perform these duties in two occasions in the past consequently had resulted in a violation of international law. Therefore, it is suggested that Malaysia should initiate a revision of its national laws and policies regarding treatment of asylum-seekers stranded at sea to be in line with Malaysia’s duty under international law. Besides, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is call upon to comply with the international standards of treatment of persons in distress at sea which includes the asylum-seekers.  

scholarly journals ‘Too High’, ‘Too Low’, or ‘Just Fair Enough’?

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 351-368
Author(s):  
Joanna Nicholson
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
International Criminal ◽  
Fair Trial ◽  
International Human Rights Law ◽  
Criminal Courts ◽  
International Human Rights ◽  
International Human ◽  
The Right ◽  
Human Rights Standards

Abstract That an accused receives a fair trial is essential to the legitimacy of international criminal courts and tribunals. However, how best to interpret the right to a fair trial in order to maximize the legitimacy of international criminal courts and tribunals’ decision-making? Some argue that international criminal courts and tribunals should aspire to the highest standards of fairness and should aim to set an example for domestic courts in this regard. Others argue that the unique context within which international criminal courts and tribunals operate allows them, at times, to interpret the right to a fair trial in a way which falls below minimum international human rights standards. This article examines both of these positions and finds both to be problematic. Rather, the article argues that international criminal courts and tribunals should aim for a middle path, the ‘fair enough’ standard, when interpreting the right to a fair trial. In situations where a different standard than that found within international human rights law is applied, international criminal courts and tribunals should expend greater effort in being open and clear as to why this is so, and should take care in communicating this to their audience, including victims and the accused. By doing so, the legitimacy of their decision-making will be enhanced.

Defining ‘People’ and ‘Indigenous People’ in International Human Rights Law and Its Application in Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 373-408
Author(s):  
M. Ya’kub Aiyub Kadir
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
International Law ◽  
Indigenous People ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
International Human Rights Law ◽  
Human Rights Law ◽  
International Human Rights ◽  
International Human ◽  
The Third World

This article investigates the problem of defining ‘people’ and ‘indigenous people’ under the International Human Rights Covenants and their application in the Indonesian context. Using analyses based on the Third World Approach to International Law (twail), this article shows the problems facing Indonesia in identifying indigenous peoples as traditional peoples, in terms of being isolated peoples (Masyarakat Hukum Adat, hereafter mha), and the non-isolated indigenous peoples who were sovereign before the independence of Indonesia. This interpretation has been confusing in relation to the entitlement to natural resources. Therefore, this article proposes a new understanding of indigenous peoples, in order to arrive at better treatment and recognition and in terms of sharing power and the benefits of natural resources in the Indonesian system.

scholarly journals The Right of the Accused in Saudi in Criminal Procedure during Investigation Process and Arbitrary Dentation and Prohibits Torture and Protects the Rights of Suspects to Obtain Legal Council

2018 ◽  
Vol 150 ◽  
pp. 05053
Author(s):  
Faten Mohmed Alqahtani ◽  
Amani Ali ◽  
Abdulrahman M.A.AlBelihi ◽  
Metwally Ali
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Criminal Procedure ◽  
International Human Rights ◽  
Legal Representation ◽  
International Human ◽  
The Law ◽  
The Right ◽  
Human Rights Standards

Saudi Arabia has recent in years pass several important legislations to ensure a fair and balanced justice system, including: 1) The Law of Procedure Before Sharia Courts of September 2001, which grants defendants the right to legal representation and outlines the process by which please, evidence and experts are heard by the courts. 2) The Code of Law Practice of January 2001, which outlines requirements necessary to become an attorney and defines the duties and right of lawyers, including the right of attorney-client privilege. 3) The Law of Criminal Procedure of May 2001, which protects a defendant right with the regard to interrogation, investigation, and incarceration; outlines a series of regulations that justice and law enforcement authorities must follow during all stages of legal process, from arrest and interrogation to trial and sentencing; prohibits torture and protects the right of suspects to obtain legal counsel; and limits the period of arbitrary detention. The main objective of this study is to examine the operation of the criminal justice system in Saudi Arabia in light of the international human rights standards pertaining to the administration of justice. It involves the international human rights treaties and focuses mainly on the instruments in which the right to a fair trail in Saudi Arabia.

The Sen Conception of Development and Contemporary International Law Discourse: Some Parallels

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhupinder Chimni
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
International Law ◽  
Technological Progress ◽  
International System ◽  
Social Constraints ◽  
International Human Rights ◽  
Right To Development ◽  
The Social ◽  
International Human ◽  
The Right

The Sen conception of `development as freedom' represents a departure from previous approaches to development that focused merely on growth rates or technological progress. Sen however fails to adequately address the social constraints that inhibit the realization of the goal of `development as freedom.' There is an interesting parallel here with developments in contemporary international law. While contemporary international law incorporates the idea of `development as freedom' in international human rights instruments, in particular the Declaration on the Right to Development, mainstream international law scholarship has like Sen failed to indicate the constraints in the international system that prevent its attainment. Since Sen is today among the foremost thinkers on the idea of development reviewing the parallels between his conception of development and mainstream international law scholarship is helpful as it offers insights into the limits of both.

Right to Self-Determination in International Law: Towards Theorisation of the Concept of Indigenous Peoples/National Minority?

2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 481-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prosper Nobirabo Musafiri
Keyword(s):  
International Law ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
National Minority ◽  
International Level ◽  
International Human Rights ◽  
Indigenous Minority ◽  
International Human ◽  
The Right

The problem of the concept of the right to self-determination under international human rights is that it is vague and imprecise. It has, at the same time, generated controversy as it leaves space for multiple interpretations in relevant international legal instruments. This paper examines if indigenous people and minority groups are eligible to the right to self-determination. If so, what is the appropriate interpretation of such right, in light of indigenous/minority groups at national as well as the international level?

scholarly journals Conflict over Conflict: The Right to Strike in International Law

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane F Frey
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
International Law ◽  
International Human Rights Law ◽  
Political Rights ◽  
International Labour Organisation ◽  
International Human Rights ◽  
Cultural Rights ◽  
Human Rights Treaties ◽  
International Human ◽  
The Right

<p>The existence of a right to strike under international law has been challenged by the International Organization of Employers since the late 1980s. The employer group claims that no such right exists under international law and has been moving to undermine recognition of the right at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This article examines the right to strike in international human rights law. It considers specifically the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and finds that the right to strike exists in both of these treaties. Further, the article demonstrates that while the ILO employers group may challenge the existence of the right to strike, its government members have overwhelmingly ratified international human rights treaties contradicting the employer group's position that there is no such right.</p>

scholarly journals ON DIGNITY, VULNERABILITY, INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND FISHERFOLKS: CHILEAN SUBSISTENCE FISHING ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Roig Monge
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Case Law ◽  
International Treaties ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
International Human Rights ◽  
Right To Food ◽  
International Human ◽  
The Right ◽  
Subsistence Fishing

Abstract Subsistence fishing is a confusing and heterogeneous fishery construct. Even so, its connection to human protection compels us to analyze it through the lens of human rights. Using the case of Chile due to its legal peculiarities, we aim to determine the scope of the Chilean legislation on subsistence fishing, integrating international treaties on human rights, case law, and reports from United Nations agencies regarding three issues. First, we examine how the Chilean legislation relates to the right to food and the promotion of decent social conditions. Next, we explain why the prohibition of riggings and propulsion enables us to identify economically precarious users and how this prohibition is related to vulnerabilities and poverty as human rights concepts. Finally, we show how the property of indigenous peoples and the culture of fisherfolk populations could impose their inclusion and preferences in access to subsistence fishing resources. Considering the results, we hold that human rights help to clarify the understanding of it and propose partial amendments to the Chilean legislation on subsistence fishing. But, above all, they introduce protection standards that allow us to see such legislation not as a mere derivation of state privilege, but as an attempt to foster a situation of equality: an affirmative action. We conclude by presenting a conceptual approach for Chilean subsistence fishing, suggesting that it could help to unveil new objectives and rights in fishing, and even influence the understanding of natural resource allocation.

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