Penalization of people living in poverty 2011, para. 19

Paragraph
Paragraph text
Human rights law permits States to limit some rights, on the basis that such limitations are justified in the interests of public security, safety or order; public health; or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. In order for a limitation to be legitimate under human rights law, it must comply with numerous safeguards: it must be "determined by law", "compatible with the nature of these rights", "solely for the purposes of promoting general welfare" and "necessary in a democratic society". Permissible limitations must also comply with general principles of human rights law, and must thus be non-discriminatory, reasonable and proportionate. Compliance with these principles requires, for example, that any restrictive measures must be appropriate means of achieving the aims pursued, and that limitations must not be more severe than is necessary for the attainment of the aim sought.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Governance & Rule of Law
  • Health
Person(s) affected
  • All
Year
2011
Paragraph type
Other
Paragraph number
19