Should International Human Rights Law Override National Sovereignty?

Stance

Yes, but only in the domain of core, non-derogable rights (life, dignity, freedom from torture, equality). Anything less risks making rights contingent on political convenience.

Definitions (stance-aware)

• International human rights law (IHRL): Treaties, conventions, and customary norms (ICCPR, ECHR, UDHR). Enforceable via supranational courts (Strasbourg) or UN treaty bodies.
• National sovereignty: The principle that states govern themselves free from external interference (Westphalian model).
• Override: International standards take priority when in conflict with domestic laws or policies.

Framing: Can sovereignty trump universal rights, or must rights be the "higher law"?

Assumptions under challenge