The protection and promotion of human rights from non-state violations by international bodies

Abstract

The protection of human dignity and the peremptory principle of equality and non-discrimination, being two of the most important foundations and principles of human rights law, require that individuals are protected from non-state abuses, given the possibility that they affect the enjoyment and exercise of human rights. This explains and justifies the existence of positive duties of authorities to protect and prevent violations, but additionally requires further mechanisms of protection. Concerning some of them, it is possible to mention that international practice shows that international bodies and agents entrusted with the promotion and protection of human rights have conducted actions such as publicizing violations or contacting non-state actors with the aim of furthering the complete and effective protection of human dignity. Nevertheless, those actions and initiatives are often limited, which demands acknowledging both that there are implied and inherent powers to provide greater protection and that it is necessary to make changes regarding competence and jurisdiction de lege ferenda.