Derogation Clauses in Human Rights Treaties and Their Abuse During National Emergencies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59022/ijlp.633Keywords:
Derogation Clauses, National Emergencies, Human Rights Treaties, Judicial Oversight, Emergency Powers, Digital Surveillance, Comparative Human Rights LawAbstract
Human rights treaties allow governments to suspend rights during genuine national emergencies. States often abuse these derogation clauses well beyond their intended purpose. This research examines why enforcement mechanisms fail to prevent such abuse. It compares major regional human rights systems, including Europe, Africa, and Asia. Findings show regional systems define emergencies using inconsistent legal standards. Judicial oversight strength varies significantly, with weaker enforcement outside Europe. Many derogation notifications lack clear expiration dates, allowing indefinite continuation. States frequently misuse emergency powers to restrict press freedom and opposition. Courts rarely challenge government emergency declarations in meaningful, substantive ways. Digital surveillance tools introduced during emergencies typically persist afterward too. This research relies on doctrinal and comparative document analysis of treaties. It concludes that institutional design, not treaty text alone, determines outcomes. These findings offer practical direction for strengthening accountability across legal systems. This study contributes new understanding to ongoing emergency law scholarship.
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