Human rights laws are designed to protect our fundamental rights and freedoms. If you’re passionate about helping those less fortunate and want to make a difference then human rights law could be the practice area for you. Below we look at the foundations of human rights law, how it’s evolved over time and the potential challenges to human rights law.
Written by Grant Longstaff. Published 19 September 2025.
What are the foundations of human rights laws?
Following the brutality of the World War II the United Nations (UN) established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. It became a foundational international document which laid out the basic rights and fundamental freedoms of all human beings.
The declaration sets “a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations” and recognises “the inherent dignity and… equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family”. Made up of 30 articles in total, the UDHR states “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in [the] Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”
The declaration also presents further standards regarding a person’s right to life, education, work and democracy and protection from torture and inhumane treatment, among others.
In 1966 the UN implemented two further international treaties; the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). These covenants further expand on the UDHR by covering the social, cultural, civil and political aspects of an individual’s rights and freedoms and identify the responsibility of governments to respect, protect and fulfil those rights.
Together, these three documents form the International Bill of Human Rights.
However, it’s important to point out that a declaration isn’t always legally binding. The UN explain further, stating, “the term is often deliberately chosen to indicate that the parties do not intend to create binding obligations but merely want to declare certain aspirations… but their provisions may have reflected customary international law or may have gained binding character as customary law at a later stage. Such was the case with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
This is one of the reasons you’ll find human rights laws differ greatly around the world.
Human rights around the world
Human rights have vastly improved for many since the UN established the UDHR. For instance, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is considered one of the most robust international treaties for human rights and directly influenced the law in many European countries, including the UK. This is why you’ll often see European countries listed as having the best human rights records.
However, not all countries are afforded such liberties. This could be due to the political system in place, cultural influences, discrimination and socio-economic factors. You’ll often find countries with oppressive regimes, such as North Korea, are regularly criticised for their human rights abuses.
The future of human rights law
Human rights law is constantly changing. Rights and freedoms will continually need to be fought for and defended. Even those countries with established human rights laws can improve and may need protecting.
Amnesty International, a movement committed to creating a future where human rights are enjoyed by everyone, produce an annual report: The State of the World’s Human Rights. Their 2025 report highlighted “violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflicts, repression of dissent, discrimination, economic and climate injustices, and the misuse of technology to infringe on human rights.” The report further states, “many of these trends represent setbacks that risk being exacerbated… as states, particularly powerful ones, continue to undermine the international rules-based system and authoritarian practices spread across different continents.”
The report also referenced some of the biggest challenges for improving human rights around the world, which included the continuing climate crisis, gender inequality and increased authoritarianism. Areas to be aware of if you’re looking to move into human rights law.
What can I do?
If you’re impassioned about helping those less fortunate and want to make a difference, then human rights law might be for you. There are firms who specialise in this area of the law and a number of charities who support individuals who need it most. Strengthen your application and show your willingness to help through volunteering and try to find work experience placements which highlight your passion for social justice.
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge and skills our postgraduate LLM in International Human Rights Law can help you develop a broader understanding of human rights theory and global and regional rights regulation.
Find out more about our partnership with the Clooney Foundation for Justice and how to apply for The Amal Clooney Scholarship for Human Rights Advocates.
