International Law, Sanctity of Life and the Right to Life: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

The right to life is one of the most important provisions in International Law and is contained in different instruments at international, regional instruments as well as in national laws. What has courted controversy is the way the right to life has been perceived as well as presented in different countries. However, despite these anomalies with regards to the right to life, the obligation to protect citizens rests with state parties which should in turn ensure the promulgations of appropriate law to safeguard life within their constituencies. It is the objective of this paper to elaborate on the provisions of the ICCPR in terms of the right to life.