Introduction to Human Rights

The Wrongs that Made Rights Possible: From Rights to Human Rights

The concept of human rights has undergone a profound transformation over centuries, evolving from the notion of rights granted by royal decree and national constitutions to the declaration of universal rights most of which were eventually enshrined in international law in the form of treaties and conventions. This transition reflects both humanity’s growing understanding of […]

The Evolution of Adjudicating Human Rights Crimes

From Temporary Tribunals to the International Criminal Court The adjudication of human rights crimes has undergone a significant transformation over the past century, evolving from temporary, single-use tribunals to the establishment of a permanent international criminal court. This evolution reflects the international community’s growing commitment to accountability, justice, and the rule of law in addressing […]

The Development of Human Rights: From Hammurabi to the Universal Declaration

by Ahmed Souaiaia While the earliest appearance of the phrase “human rights” in written records can be traced back to the first half of the 19th century, the concept of “rights” as ethical and legal claims extends far beyond the modern era. Throughout history, organized societies with hierarchical governments have established norms and rules to […]

Sovereignty and Human Rights

Sovereignty is a fundamental concept in international relations and law, defining the authority of a state to govern itself without external interference. However, in the modern era, sovereignty is increasingly discussed in relation to human rights. This article explores the concept of sovereignty in the context of human rights and its significance in ensuring—or hindering—the […]

HUQUQ Journal…

Humanitarian Crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: What the Pause on U.S. Foreign Aid Could Mean for the DRC
by Molly Lihs Abstract This paper examines the impact of the U.S. foreign aid freeze and cuts on
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Tariffs and Human Rights
By Ahmed Souaiaia Generally, nowadays, a tariff is a tax imposed by a government on goods and
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Remembering Their Names
An Exploration of the Growing Epidemic of Wrongful Imprisonment of Journalists by Brianna
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The Development of Human Rights: From Hammurabi to the Universal Declaration
by Ahmed Souaiaia While the earliest appearance of the phrase “human rights” in written
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Expanding Rights and Expanding Powers: Assessing and Contextualizing Human Rights Abuses in an Emerging Multipolar World
By Anthea Rose Abstract Since the fall of the Soviet Union to the Ukrainian crisis, the world order
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Comments on Rights

“Free Speech for Me, Not for Thee”: The Double Standard of Power

In contemporary political discourse, the concept of freedom of speech has become a powerful tool wielded by influential figures to navigate the complexities of public opinion, dissent, and accountability. Here, we examine how prominent actors, notably political leaders, like former and current US President Donald Trump, have employed the tenets of free speech to distance themselves from violent actions taken in their name, while simultaneously seeking to suppress dissenting voices. The January 6 Capitol Riots On January 6, 2021, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Congressional investigation […]

Freedom of Speech and Its Limits

For decades, Western colonial nation-states have touted freedom of speech and freedom of expression as nearly absolute rights. When anti-Muslim offensive cartoons were published in Western tabloids, and Muslims reacted by labeling them as forms of hate and politicized speech, Western governments consistently dismissed these concerns. They argued that freedom of expression supersedes all other rights, including the need for protective limits against hate speech. However, the landscape has dramatically shifted since the onset of the war in Gaza in October 2023. As student protests erupted, condemning the atrocities of the conflict—particularly the disproportionate impact on children and women—Western governments […]

Do the violations associated with the war in Gaza amount to a Genocide

by Amanda Nelson The term “Gaza genocide” refers to allegations and findings that Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. These allegations have been made by various United Nations bodies, human rights organizations, and experts. United Nations Findings: The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) has concluded that Israel has committed at least three of the constitutive acts of genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Statements by high-level Israeli military and government officials have been cited as evidence of genocidal intent 1. The UN Special […]

The Perils of Individualism

How Rooting Human Rights in Individualism Fuels Supremacism and Atrocity by Demhas The modern conception of human rights is often rooted in individualism—placing the individual at the center of moral, political, and legal consideration. While individualism has undeniably contributed to personal freedoms and autonomy, an extreme focus on the individual can lead to dangerous distortions. Among these distortions, supremacism emerges as a byproduct of unchecked individual entitlement, and history has shown that supremacism is a powerful driver of human rights atrocities. At its core, individualism champions self-interest, autonomy, and personal achievement. While these values can encourage creativity and progress, they […]

Did Trump implicate US government and himself in crimes when he stated his intent to remove the people of Gaza and take over their land?

Anyone with a general understanding of international law, human rights norms, and historical precedents would recoil at the suggestion that a community be forcibly relocated to other countries while their land is seized by another nation-state. When such statements come from the leader of the world’s most powerful nation, they are cause for serious concern. To grasp the gravity of such remarks, it’s essential to consider the historical, legal, and political context behind them. In 2010, highly respected journalist Helen Thomas faced significant backlash after making a controversial statement suggesting that Jews who had migrated to Israel should return to […]