"A brief survey of human rights law" [2020] ELECD 57; in Kornfeld, Itzchak (ed), "Mega-Dams and Indigenous Human Rights" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2020) 27

Book Title: Mega-Dams and Indigenous Human Rights

Editor(s): Kornfeld, Itzchak

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Section: Chapter 3

Section Title: A brief survey of human rights law

Number of pages: 31

Abstract/Description:

The human rights field is a part of international law. Its aim, both as customary international law and via treaties, is to make certain that every human being is treated with respect and dignity. Human rights norms are instituted in order to safeguard every person’s most intrinsic and fundamental entitlements and freedoms. These rights are said to be “inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.” Indeed, human rights embrace the “right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education,” without discrimination. When mega-dams are planned and built, they are set where people, generally indigenous peoples, live and have lived for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. These people are ousted from their lands, losing their homes and their livelihoods. Promises made by governments to ousted people to resettle them are, more often than not, not kept.