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

Conclusion

Throughout this chapter, we explored the complexities of international law and human rights, examining how treaties, courts, and legal principles have shaped global justice—often with mixed results. We saw how universalism and cultural relativism continue to spark debate over whose rights should be protected and how, while sovereignty frequently clashes with efforts to hold states accountable. The role of international courts in prosecuting war crimes and human rights violations was considered, though enforcement remains a persistent challenge. Through District 9, we analyzed these concepts in a fictional yet strikingly familiar setting, where corporate greed, government corruption, and systemic discrimination echoed real-world injustices. If nothing else, the film reminded us that if international law ever extends beyond Earth, we might need a Universal Declaration of Alien Rights to prevent another extraterrestrial refugee crisis. While human rights are no laughing matter, perhaps the real takeaway is that if humanity ever encounters an advanced alien species, our first priority should probably be diplomacy—before we inevitably start arguing over jurisdiction.

Key Terms

• Apartheid
• Xenophobia
• Refugee Rights
• Non-Discrimination Principle
• Human Rights Violations
• International Law
• Treaty
• Customary International Law
• Sovereignty
• Geneva Conventions
• Universalism
• Cultural Relativism
• Right to Self-Determination
• International Court of Justice (ICJ)
• International Criminal Court (ICC)
• Jurisdiction
• Restorative Justice