INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW, STATE RESPONSIBILITY AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNATIONAL LEGAL MECHANISMS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS
AUTHOR – PUNARVA U, STUDENT AT CHRIST (DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY), BANGALORE
BEST CITATION – PUNARVA U, INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW, STATE RESPONSIBILITY AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNATIONAL LEGAL MECHANISMS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 938-944, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT
This study critically explores the idea of state responsibility within the context of international human rights law and evaluates the efficiency of international legal mechanisms for accountability. It delves into the historical growth of state accountability, and assesses the role of key international organizations, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Criminal Court (ICC), and regional human rights organizations, in holding states accountable for human rights breaches. The study focuses on the limitations of international legal systems in holding states accountable for human rights violations, emphasizing the need for deeper institutional reforms and political commitment to improve enforcement. By analyzing recent case studies and judicial decisions, the paper demonstrates both the strengths and limitations of existing legal systems for addressing state violations of international responsibilities. It further explores how individuals have increasingly become direct enforcers of human rights principles as legal frameworks evolve. By highlighting flaws in the current system, this study emphasizes the need for a stronger and universally applicable mechanism for maintaining state accountability in international legal order. The study finishes by asking for enhanced global cooperation, judicial independence, and the establishment of stronger accountability systems to ensure that human rights protections are not undercut by political considerations.
Keywords: Accountability Mechanisms, International Human Rights Law, International Legal Enforcement, Sovereignty Challenges, State Responsibility.