Current Status of Individuals

Sociology | Mercantile Law | International Law | International Relations

Discarding the old concepts of jurists that individuals are objects not subjects of international law and keeping in view the certain treaties signed to confer rights upon individuals under international law; today, the status of individuals as subjects of international law has been bestowed the strength which it never enjoyed earlier.

This can be visualized from following facts;

Pirates
Today, pirates are treated under international law as the enemies of the mankind to be tried by any state that captures them.

Foreigners
International law directs the states to provide fundamental rights to the foreigners. In this sense they are being regulated by International Law to some extent.

War Criminals
War criminals are tried under international tribunals and are punished under international law.

Espionage
It’s also a crime of international nature and the spies are to be punished under international law.

HUMAN RIGHTS – AN EVIDENCE OF RECOGNITION OF INDIVIDUALS UNDER SUBJECTION OF STATE
International Covenant of Human Rights – 1966 and UN Commission on Human Rights have not only proved helpful in bringing the individuals under the subjection of international law but also serve as evidence in this regard.

ARTICLE 34 OF ICJ STATUTE REQUIRES AMENDMENT
Amid the changing circumstances in which the individuals are now being considered as international personalities, the ICJ must ponder to amend its article 34 which restricts the approach of individuals to the court.