Chapter 11: International Law & Human Rights – Aliens, Asylum, and Humanitarianism

Introduction

Imagine waking up one day to find that the government has declared you stateless, stripped you of all legal rights, and forced you into a slum with no protection from violence or exploitation. Sounds like a dystopian nightmare, right? Yet, for millions of refugees, displaced persons, and marginalized groups around the world, this is reality. International law and human rights exist to prevent such injustices, setting legal standards to protect individuals from abuse, oppression, and discrimination. But here’s the catch—laws are only as powerful as the willingness of governments and institutions to enforce them. Some nations champion human rights, while others dismiss them as foreign interference. So, when do human rights outweigh state sovereignty? Why do some groups receive global protection while others are ignored? And most importantly—how do we hold violators accountable in a world where power often trumps justice?

To explore these questions, we’re turning to District 9, a 2009 sci-fi film that cleverly uses aliens (yes, actual extraterrestrials) to reflect real-world human rights violations. The movie, set in South Africa, follows a group of alien refugees who are mistreated, segregated, and denied legal protections—much like oppressed communities throughout history. Their struggles mirror apartheid, xenophobia, and forced displacement, making District 9 a surprisingly rich case study for international law. Through this chapter, we’ll analyze how human rights are defined, debated, and enforced—if at all. We’ll also apply major international relations theories (because what’s political science without a few grand theories?) to see how different perspectives explain the treatment of the aliens. So buckle up—this is one small step for aliens, and one giant leap for understanding global justice.

SPOILER WARNING: This chapter will reference specific characters and events from the films in  District 9, some of which may spoil major plot points. If you would like to watch the films before you continue, I highly recommend it. HCC students can watch the film for free through our library’s Swank account here: District 9 (2009). Not an HCC student? Check your streaming platforms or local library for access!