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

Salomon, Margot E. (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 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:	13 Apr 2024 04:45
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/39547

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