Abstract

This thesis seeks to establish the following:

  • The nexus between the origins of the state and the universality of Human Rights
  • That abuse of Human Rights is a threat to international peace and security, and
  • It is an obligation for the international community under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) to intervene in the ‘internal affairs’ of a state which violates Human Rights.

The paper focuses on the paramountcy of Human Rights and argues that the doctrine of state sovereignty and cultural relativism undercut the essence and universality of Human Rights. The paper puts into perspective the interpretation of the United Nations Charter, cultural relativism and Human Rights. Necessarily the essay analyzes the historical and legal obligations of a state. The thesis asserts that abuse of Human Rights is a threat to international peace and security and the international community is legally obligated to enforce the observance of Human Rights.

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