Contemporary challenges facing international humanitarian law and human rights

Abstract

International humanitarian law and international human rights law represent a triumph for humanity and a protection for its inalienable rights. However, the gap between these laws and what actually happens on the ground in terms of disruption causes humanity, specifically the peoples of the Global South, to suffer under the scourge of wars and armed conflicts. In these situations, rights associated with the right to life, the right to physical safety, and the right to work are violated.

Moreover, the technological and technical developments that have been introduced into the world of wars and armed conflicts have posed new challenges. These developments are now used to cause significant harm to the parties involved in armed conflicts and to civilians.

The study concludes that it is necessary to reform the United Nations organization, to activate its role, and to empower it with independence from the dominant powers in the international system. It also highlights the need to develop mechanisms to compel states to respect their commitments without discrimination or favoritism, and to initiate punitive actions against states and groups that violate international humanitarian law and international human rights law.