The Role of Human Rights in International Relations: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

It investigates the increasing importance of human rights in the context of insecurity, armed conflicts, and refugee crises while also addressing new issues that arise in international relations. The paper conducts qualitative research involving three Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria case studies, analyses relevant international legal frameworks, and gathers expert opinions to explore the impact of human rights on foreign policy and diplomacy. It is explicitly revealed that despite centrality to more human rights-oriented policies, implementation due to political economic priorities varies. This would include emerging concerns like digital rights and environmental justice demanding stringent global mechanisms. A call for integration is made amidst conflict-related challenges pre-and post-displacement coupled with digital surveillance. Ideally, this should serve as an illustration for academics seeking evidence-based governance stressing human rights as a form of policymaking.

Received: 20 April 2025 / Accepted: 19 June 2025 / Published: 25 June 2025