Human Rights Law Commons^™

Human Rights, Human Dignity, And The Concept Of Honour: A German Perspective, Eric Hilgendorf

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The overuse of terms like human rights, human dignity, and honour in European legal discourse risks diminishing their normative impact. Rooted in Enlightenment ideals and reactions to historical injustices, these concepts are central to German law, balancing individual rights with freedoms like expression. However, their broad application, especially in criminal law, necessitates a more precise definition to preserve their legal potency.

Human Dignity In Judicial Decisions: Principles Of Application And The Rule Of Law, Doron Shultziner

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

Human dignity has become a central legal concept worldwide and has been increasingly employed in judicial decisions in many jurisdictions, including in countries that do not incorporate it into their constitutions. However, due to the acknowledged vagueness of the concept, scholars and judges alike have identified many difficulties in its application and specific challenges that it poses to the rule of law. This Article addresses those challenges and proposes four formal principles for the use of human dignity in judicial decisions: using the concept strictly in relation to written law; defining the concept and its actual meaning in rulings; maintaining …

From The Bill Of Rights To Basic Laws: Constitutional Rights In Israel, Isaac Amit

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article explores the development and application of constitutional rights in Israel, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by the Israeli Supreme Court due to the absence of a formal constitution. It highlights how the judiciary has played a pivotal role in shaping constitutional rights through the interpretation of Basic Laws and common law, while navigating the complexities of Israel's multicultural and often polarized society. The analysis underscores the use of comparative law and the balancing of individual rights against state interests, particularly in matters of security and social welfare.

Protecting Victims Of Human Trafficking: Creating Better Residency Visas, Efthimia Barbagiannis

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note critiques the international approach to combating human trafficking, arguing that efforts prioritize prosecution over victim protection, leading to inadequate support for victims and increased risks of re-trafficking. It advocates for residency visas tailored to victims' needs as a more effective protection strategy.

The Role Of Legal Advocates In Transnational Judicial Dialogue: The Abolition Of The Mandatory Death Penalty And The Evolution Of International Law, Andrew Novak

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article examines the role of transnational legal citation and advocacy in shaping constitutional norms, particularly in the context of the death penalty. It argues that lawyers and human rights advocates are driving a global consensus against the mandatory death penalty by strategically citing international and foreign jurisprudence. This process highlights the interplay between domestic and international law, demonstrating how transnational legal discourse can influence law reform and the abolition of practices deemed cruel and degrading.

Land, Property And Sovereignty In International Law, Lorenzo Cotula

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

This article charts the relationship between land and international law. Tracing evolutions since the very origins of international legal ordering, the article identifies sovereignty and property as the two key concepts that have traditionally framed claims to land in international law. For centuries, international jurists primarily considered sovereignty and property claims in the context of changes in, and disputes over, territorial control. However, developments in international human rights, investment and environmental law have reconfigured the internal dimensions of the land-property-sovereignty.nexus, redefining space for states lawfully to exercise their sovereign powers vis-d-vis property within their jurisdiction.

Relevant international instruments advance diverse …

What's Islam Got To Do With It? Obstacles In Securing Fair Trial Rights Under Iran's Repressive Regime, Sara Barlowe

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note argues that the principle of Velayate Faqhih in Iran undermines the rule of law and prevents the development of a functional criminal justice system. This principle, which establishes the supremacy of Islamic law and grants the Supreme Leader plenary authority over the judiciary, leads to arbitrary law enforcement, corruption, and human rights violations. The case of Maziar Bahari, an Iranian-Canadian journalist detained on vague charges of espionage, illustrates how the regime uses detention and torture to suppress dissent and maintain political control. The note contends that Iran’s legal system, dominated by Sharia law and lacking judicial independence, violates …

Regional Protection Of The Right To A Nationality, Jonathan Bialosky

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article argues that the concept of nationality, traditionally within the discretion of sovereign states, has evolved into a fundamental human right protected by international and regional human rights bodies. These bodies have developed robust jurisprudence to limit state discretion, emphasizing the importance of nationality for the enjoyment of other rights and advocating for procedural safeguards against arbitrary deprivation or denial of nationality.

Copy And Paste: Transplanting International Hiv/Aids Model Laws Into African Countries, Maya Berinzon

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

There has been a recent increase in legislative and regulatory frameworks to govern HIV in Africa. This includes rules on when and how a health practitioner may disclose the HIV status of a patient to a spouse or sexual partner. In balancing the right to privacy against a doctor's duty of care, two international model laws have emerged, and have been wholly or partially copied by a number of African countries. This paper questions the usefulness of such model laws as legal transplants in national legislatures through an analysis of the regulations developed in thirty-eight African countries.

The Conflation Of Ethnicity And Religion In Malaysia: A Reflection, Mahmood Chandia, Kartina A. Choong

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

According to the Malaysian Constitution, a "Malay" is one who, among other things, professes the religion of Islam. All Malays are, by legal definition, at least Muslims and they are not at liberty to leave Islam since a renunciation of the Islamic faith is tantamount to a renunciation of one's legally defined ethnic identity. This constitutional conflation of ethnicity and religion, which also serves the purpose of uniting the Malays and advancing their socio-economic interests, has been a distinct feature of the social landscape of the country since 1957, when it gained independence from British rule. This Article seeks to …

Unrwa And The Convention On The Rights Of The Child: Who Is Responsible For Violations In Education?, Alexandra M.C. Douglas

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note argues that the Palestinian Authority's curriculum, used in UNRWA schools, violates the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) by promoting a culture of violence, martyrdom, and jihad, rather than fostering respect for human rights, peace, and tolerance. It contends that donor countries, particularly the U.S. and E.U., bear responsibility for these violations due to their significant funding of UNRWA and the extraterritorial obligations under the CRC. The note proposes conditioning future funding on the adoption of a neutral education system to ensure compliance with the CRC.

A Brief Assessment Of The 25-Year Effect Of The Convention On The Rights Of The Child, Lynne Marie Kohm

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), despite its widespread adoption by 193 nations, has failed to significantly improve the lives of children globally. While the CRC established important provisions to protect children from exploitation, abuse, and harmful practices, its lack of enforcement mechanisms and reliance on domestic implementation have rendered it ineffective. The Convention's focus on state actors overlooks private human rights violations and cultural challenges, leading to persistent issues such as child trafficking, labor, soldiering, marriage, and genital mutilation. Critics argue that the CRC serves as a facade for governments that continue to abuse children's rights, …

The International Legal Status Of International Non-Governmental Organizations: The Century-Long Normative Debate And Its Future Prospects, Rephael Ben-Ari

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The legal status of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) remains unresolved despite their growing influence in global politics. Over the past century, various proposals and frameworks have attempted to define INGOs' legal personality and legitimacy, but these efforts have been criticized for being either overly simplistic or politically unattainable. The article argues that while INGOs wield significant power and legitimacy through lobbying, public mobilization, and operational activities, their lack of formal international legal personality leaves their position ambiguous. The analysis highlights the need for a systematic evaluation of past efforts to inform future attempts at establishing a coherent legal framework for …

Using Force Against The "Weapons Of The Weak": Examining A Chemical-Biological Weapons Usage Criterion For Unilateral Humanitarian Intervention Under The Responsibility To Protect, Andrew M. Bell

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The civil war in Syria has demonstrated the international community's inability to act to protect civilians caught in mass atrocities during cases of U.N. Security Council deadlock, with permanent member vetoes presenting a significant legal obstacle to international humanitarian intervention.

The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) construct, created in response to the NATO intervention in Kosovo, was originally designed to overcome such Security Council paralysis by transforming the debate from the "right" of states to intervene to the "responsibility" of the entire international community to protect civilians as well as open the door to legitimate unilateral humanitarian intervention in cases of …

From Villa Grimaldi To Guantánamo Bay: Remedying Human Rights Abuses In Chile And The United States, Nadia Shamsi

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article examines the effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms in addressing human rights abuses, using Chile's experience under Augusto Pinochet as a model. It critiques the U.S. for failing to adopt similar approaches to accountability, particularly in addressing abuses at Guantanamo Bay and other detention centers. The analysis highlights the importance of combining truth commissions, criminal prosecutions, and reparations to achieve justice and promote democratic transition. It argues that the U.S. must align its domestic practices with the international human rights standards it promotes.

Caressing The Big Fish? A Critique Of Icc Trial Chamber V(A)'S Decision To Grant Ruto's Request For Excusal From Continuous Presence At Trial, Thomas Obel Hansen

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article critiques the ICC Trial Chamber V(a)'s decision to excuse William Ruto from continuous presence at his trial, arguing that this decision misinterprets Articles 63 and 27 of the Rome Statute. The Chamber's reliance on "exceptional circumstances" and Ruto's official status as Vice President of Kenya undermines the principle of equality before the law and sets a problematic precedent for future cases involving high-ranking officials.

Do No Harm: The Dispute Over Access To Health Care Between Israel And The Palestinian Territories, Emma Glazer

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note examines the legal dispute over access to healthcare between Israel and the Palestinian Territories under International Humanitarian Law (IHL). It argues that while IHL obligates Israel to provide medical services to Palestinians injured in conflict, it does not require unrestricted access for routine healthcare. The analysis highlights the need for Israel to balance its security interests with humanitarian obligations, ensuring access to healthcare while maintaining necessary restrictions. The note also suggests that as the Palestinian Territories pursue statehood, they should develop their own advanced healthcare facilities to reduce reliance on Israeli institutions.

Contested States And The Rights And Obligations Of The Jus Ad Bellum, Christian Henderson

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article examines the rights and obligations of contested states under the jus ad bellum, arguing that these entities, despite lacking widespread recognition as states, should be considered international legal persons. It challenges the traditional state-only conception of international personality and advocates for a recognition-based approach, which would extend the prohibition of the use of force and the right to self-defense to contested states. The analysis highlights the complexities and contradictions in applying these principles, particularly regarding collective self-defense, and suggests that a pragmatic interpretation could balance international peace and security with the legal protection of contested states.

Is There Blood On Your Hands-Free Device?: Examining Legislative Approaches To The Conflict Minerals Problem In The Democratic Republic Of Congo, Emily Veale

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article argues that Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which mandates SEC disclosures for conflict minerals, is insufficient to address the violence and governance issues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It advocates for comprehensive legislation that ties U.S. foreign assistance to specific reforms in the DRC, such as military and governance improvements, to effectively combat the conflict minerals crisis. The SEC’s role in promoting social and foreign policy goals is critiqued, and the article proposes a tiered incentive system to encourage meaningful change in the DRC’s mining sector.

Born Lost: Stateless Children In International Surrogacy Arrangements, Tina Lin

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note examines the legal and humanitarian challenges posed by statelessness in children born through international surrogacy arrangements, particularly in countries like India and Ukraine, where lax regulations and conflicting nationality laws create legal limbo for surrogate children. It argues that the best interests of the child should guide legal reforms and judicial decisions to prevent statelessness and ensure citizenship rights. The analysis emphasizes the need for domestic and international legal frameworks to address the gaps in nationality acquisition and surrogacy regulation.

Forums For International Economic Adjudication: Threads In Fragments, Francis N. Botchway

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article challenges the notion of fragmentation in international law, arguing that the proliferation of international adjudicatory bodies, such as the ICJ, WTO DSB, and ECJ, does not lead to fragmentation but instead fosters integration and coherence in international jurisprudence. It highlights the alignment of procedures, shared sources of law, and interpretative approaches among these bodies, demonstrating that institutional diversity enhances efficiency and enriches international law rather than causing discord. The article emphasizes the role of these institutions in addressing complex legal issues, ensuring legal certainty, and promoting transparency and inclusivity in global dispute resolution.

Genocide Ideology Laws: Violation Of Rwandan Peoples' 'Peoples' Rights'?, Casey Dalporto

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note argues that Rwanda's Genocide Ideology Laws, enacted to prevent ethnic divisionism and incitement to genocide, violate the Rwandan people's rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. It contends that challenging these laws through the framework of "peoples' rights" rather than individual civil and political rights could be more effective, as the latter approach is often dismissed by the Rwandan government as Western interference. The note proposes leveraging the African Charter's provisions on collective rights to address the laws' impact on ethnic identity and political dissent.

The Secular And Religious Legal Framework Of Afghanistan As Compared To Western Notions Of Equal Protection And Human Rights Treaties: Is Afghanistan's Legal Code Facially Consistent With Sex Equality?, Laura Belkner

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note examines Afghanistan's legal framework, arguing that while it is facially consistent with sex equality as per the Afghan Constitution and international treaties, the practical implementation is hindered by cultural and traditional practices. This discrepancy highlights the gap between legal provisions and real-world application.

The New Guiding Principles On Business And Human Rights' Contribution In Ending The Divisive Debate Over Human Rights Responsibilities Of Companies: Is It Time For An Icj Advisory Opinion?, Jean-Marie Kamatali

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

No abstract provided.

Building A New Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Lessons Learned From Canadian And U.S. Arbitration Of Human Rights And Discrimination Employment Claims, Shelley Mcgill, Ann Marie Tracey

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article critiques the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in 14 Penn Plaza LLC v. Pyett, which upheld the enforceability of collective bargaining agreements that waive individuals' rights to pursue statutory discrimination claims in court, favoring mandatory arbitration. The authors argue that this ruling undermines access to justice and the societal goals of anti-discrimination laws, advocating for legislative reforms to preserve judicial forums. They contrast this with the Canadian system, which allows concurrent jurisdiction between labor arbitrators and human rights tribunals, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and public policy goals. The authors propose that arbitration should not preclude access to judicial or …

Stateless, Jay Milbrandt

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article argues that statelessness, affecting 12 million people globally, is a critical issue that international law inadequately addresses. It highlights the limitations of current legal frameworks and proposes a modern, technology-driven identification system to mitigate this crisis, drawing inspiration from historical solutions like the Nansen Passport.

Have Truth And Reconciliation Commissions Helped Remediate Human Rights Violations Against Women? A Feminist Analysis Of The Past And Formula For The Future, Margaret (Peggy) Maisel

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The article argues that Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRCs) have largely failed to adequately address human rights violations against women due to their male-centered frameworks, which prioritize public sphere violations over private sphere abuses. While some TRCs, such as those in Sierra Leone and Peru, have made strides in incorporating gender considerations, others, like the South African TRC, have excluded women's experiences, perpetuating gender inequality. The article advocates for a gender-inclusive approach to ensure women's voices and violations are integral to reconciliation processes, emphasizing the need to address both civil-political and economic-social rights.

The Manual Scavenging Problem: A Case For The Supreme Court Of India, Samuel D. Permutt

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note addresses the persistent issue of manual scavenging in India, a practice where predominantly Dalit women and girls clean human waste under deplorable conditions. Despite legal prohibitions, the practice continues due to caste-based discrimination and inadequate sanitation infrastructure. The author argues that the Supreme Court of India, through Public Interest Litigation (PIL), can effectively tackle this issue by implementing a three-step solution to eradicate manual scavenging.

Addressing Human Trafficking Along The United States-Mexico Border: The Need For A Bilateral Partnership, Rocio Garza

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note argues that human trafficking along the U.S.-Mexico border is a complex issue rooted in economic disparities, weak legal frameworks, and the challenges of distinguishing trafficking from smuggling. It advocates for a bilateral partnership between the United States and Mexico to address the transnational nature of the crime, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts in prosecution, victim protection, and prevention.

Reparations For Displaced Torture Victims, Kathryn Metcalf

Cardozo Journal of International and Comparative Law

The note argues that universal civil jurisdiction is a necessary and viable legal framework to ensure reparations for displaced torture victims, despite challenges such as state immunity and political concerns. It advocates for states to adopt measures like the proposed UK Torture Damages Bill to provide victims with a consistent and reliable path to justice, emphasizing the moral and legal imperative to uphold international prohibitions on torture.