Public Law Studies Quarterly

The Conflict between State Sovereignty and the Right to Nationality in Light of the International Human Rights System

Document Type : Article

Author

Rezvan Bagherzadeh

Assistant Prof. of International Law, Department of Law, Faculty of Humanities, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22059/jplsq.2025.385049.3634
Abstract
Sovereignty, as one of the fundamental elements of statehood, entails both rights and obligations for states. Since ancient times, the authority to determine the conditions for granting nationality to individuals has been considered one of these rights. At the same time, the international dimension of nationality has consistently been recognized by doctrine and international judicial practice, and in light of the developments in the international community, the humanization of international law, and the transformation of sovereignty, this dimension has been further strengthened. Since the mid-20th century, the right to nationality has repeatedly been addressed in both treaty and customary international human rights law. Its realization, as a “right to have a right,” is considered a prerequisite for enjoying other human rights. Under conventional international law, judicial practice, and doctrine, the right to nationality imposes specific obligations on states within a general framework—including both positive and negative duties, as well as obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the right. These obligations include: Prohibiting discriminatory treatment of individuals based on race, sex, language, religion, national origin, economic status, age, disability, or any other status; Prohibiting arbitrary actions, including ignoring objective and reasonable criteria; Committing to prevent and reduce statelessness; Paying special attention to specific groups, such as refugees, children, and dual nationals; Addressing related situations, such as expulsion, alteration, or voluntary renunciation of nationality.

Keywords

state sovereignty
right to nationality
international human rights law
citizenship
Nottebohm case
Subjects

  1. English

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    1. B) Articles
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    1. Thesese
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    1. D) Documents
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    1. Cases
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    1. Websites
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    References In Persian:

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    1. B) Articles
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    1. C) Cases
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Public Law Studies Quarterly
Volume 55, Issue 4 - Serial Number 44
Winter 2026
Winter 2026
Pages 2483-2515

  • Receive Date 09 November 2024
  • Revise Date 28 January 2025
  • Accept Date 03 February 2025

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