Which of the following gives the best international recognition to an individual’s human rights? (A) Treaties (B) Natural justice (C) State sovereignty (D) The International Court of Justice - HSC - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 3 - 2006 - Paper 1

To determine which option provides the best international recognition of an individual’s human rights, we must consider the role and effectiveness of each choice:

1. Treaties: Treaties are formal agreements between countries that can establish international human rights standards and obligations. They provide a basis for international law and are often enforceable in international courts, making them a strong candidate for recognizing individual rights at the international level.

2. Natural justice: While natural justice refers to fundamental legal rights, such as the right to a fair trial, it does not have the same international recognition as treaties. It tends to be more of a philosophical concept than a binding legal framework.

3. State sovereignty: This principle implies that states have authority over their territory and governance. It can sometimes hinder international recognition of human rights, as states may prioritize their sovereignty over fulfilling international obligations.

4. The International Court of Justice (ICJ): Although the ICJ plays a crucial role in adjudicating disputes and advising on matters of international law, it primarily handles cases brought by states rather than individuals directly. Therefore, it does not provide direct recognition of individual human rights.

Given this analysis, the best option for international recognition of an individual's human rights is (A) Treaties.