Normative and Judicial Impact of Human Rights on Citizenship Rights

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of Philosophy of Law, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran

10.22081/phlq.2025.77886

Abstract

Human rights, grounded in the protection of human dignity, have a normative nature transformed the traditional structure of citizenship rights. This transformation has extended citizenship rights into the realm of international law. Consequently, citizenship rights and their associated concepts are now defined more by universal human rights laws than by the national interests of states. This process suggests that human rights serve as a primary principle, governing over citizenship rights. It also implies that, through developments in the theoretical foundations of citizenship, there may be a need to revise state constitutions or demand narrow or broad interpretations of constitutional laws. The procedures of the International Court of Justice, including its efforts to redefine nationality and citizenship and to identify the customary law of international law in terms of human rights requirements, reflect this transformation. Accordingly, the traditional definitions of citizenship and related concepts, such as nationality, are evolving, highlighting the need for new interpretations. A reinterpretation of citizenship rights, informed by human rights values, suggests a shift in the legal principles that govern the traditional perspective on citizenship.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Philosophy of Law
Volume 4, Issue 1
May 2025
Pages 138-123

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  • Receive Date: 22 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 22 July 2025

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