International Human Rights Norms and State Sovereignty

Human rights have gained widespread acceptance as international norms which have defined state sovereignty in new terms. State sovereignty is not likely to disappear from international politics but it is being restricted by internationally recognized human rights. Any state violating human rights is considered to be violating international norms which may give rise to a situation posing a threat to international peace and security. In such scenario the UN Security Council may take enforcement action. The present paper analyses the place of international human rights norms vis-a-vis state sovereignty.