Why should it matter that others have more? Poverty, inequality, and the potential of international human rights law

Salomon, Margot E. ORCID: 0009-0004-5221-4075 (2011) Why should it matter that others have more? Poverty, inequality, and the potential of international human rights law. Review of International Studies, 37 (5). pp. 2137-2155. ISSN 0260-2105

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Abstract

A concern with ensuring minimum standards of dignity for all and a doctrine based on the need to secure for everyone basic levels of rights have traditionally shaped the way in which international human rights law addresses poverty. Whether this minimalist, non-relational approach befits international law objectives in the area of world poverty begs consideration. This article offers three justifications as to why global material inequality – and not just poverty – should matter to international human rights law. The article then situates requirements regarding the improvement of living conditions, a system of equitable distribution in the case of hunger, and in particular obligations of international cooperation, within the post-1945 international effort at people-centred development. The contextual consideration of relevant tenets serves to demonstrate that positive international human rights law can be applied beyond efforts at poverty alleviation to accommodate a doctrine of fair global distribution.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJourna...
Additional Information:	© 2011 British International Studies Association
Divisions:	Law School ?? UNIT001562 ?? LSE Human Rights
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Date Deposited:	14 Nov 2011 14:46
Last Modified:	17 Oct 2025 14:03
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/39547

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