Law Legal Studies ยท General Awareness
International Law
2,177 Questions
International law governs the legal frameworks, treaties, and conventions regulating relations between nations. This collection covers human rights, humanitarian interventions, diplomatic immunity, and refugee protections. These questions are highly relevant for UPSC, State PSC, and specialized law entrance examinations.
Humanitarian law principlesDiplomatic immunityHuman rights conventionsInternational crime lawsRefugee protection frameworks
International Law Questions
Which of the following is not a subject of international law?
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States
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International organizations
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Individuals
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Non-governmental organizations
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Individuals are not subjects of international law in their own right, but they can be granted certain rights and obligations under international law.
What is the primary source of international law?
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Treaties
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Customary international law
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General principles of law
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Judicial decisions
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Customary international law is the body of law that is created by the consistent and widespread practice of states.
What is the principle of pacta sunt servanda?
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Treaties must be observed in good faith.
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Treaties must be ratified by all parties before they can enter into force.
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Treaties can be terminated at any time by any party.
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Treaties are only binding on the parties that have signed them.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The principle of pacta sunt servanda is a fundamental principle of international law that requires states to comply with the treaties they have entered into.
What is the International Court of Justice?
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The principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
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The highest court in the world.
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A court that resolves disputes between states.
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A court that resolves disputes between individuals.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and is responsible for settling legal disputes between states.
What is the International Criminal Court?
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A court that prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
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A court that prosecutes individuals for crimes against the environment.
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A court that prosecutes individuals for crimes against property.
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A court that prosecutes individuals for crimes against the state.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The International Criminal Court is a court that prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
What is the United Nations Human Rights Council?
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The organ of the United Nations responsible for promoting human rights.
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The organ of the United Nations responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
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The organ of the United Nations responsible for promoting economic and social development.
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The organ of the United Nations responsible for promoting environmental protection.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The United Nations Human Rights Council is the organ of the United Nations responsible for promoting human rights.
What is the term used to describe the process of holding individuals and institutions accountable for human rights violations?
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Accountability
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Transparency
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Justice
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Accountability, transparency, and justice are all key elements in holding individuals and institutions accountable for human rights violations, as they ensure that those responsible are held to account, that information is made public, and that victims receive justice.
Which international convention is widely recognized as the most comprehensive legal framework for combating political corruption?
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United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)
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Convention on the Prevention of Corruption (OECD)
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Inter-American Convention against Corruption (OAS)
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African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is the most comprehensive international legal framework for combating political corruption. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003 and entered into force in 2005.
What is the role of international law and human rights in supporting nonviolent resistance?
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International law can provide a framework for protecting protesters
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Human rights can be used to justify nonviolent resistance
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Both of the above
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None of the above
C
Correct answer
Explanation
International law and human rights can provide a framework for protecting protesters and justifying nonviolent resistance as a legitimate form of political activism.
What is the principle of 'non-refoulement' in foreign policy ethics?
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States should not return refugees to countries where they face persecution
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States should return refugees to their home countries as soon as possible
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States should provide temporary protection to refugees until they can return home safely
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States should not accept refugees from other countries
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The principle of non-refoulement is the ethical principle that states should not return refugees to countries where they face persecution, torture, or other serious human rights violations.
What is the principle of 'sovereignty as responsibility' in foreign policy ethics?
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States have a responsibility to protect their own citizens from harm
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States have a responsibility to protect citizens of other states from harm
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States have a responsibility to protect their own citizens from harm, but not citizens of other states
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States have no responsibility to protect citizens from harm
Correct answer
Explanation
The principle of sovereignty as responsibility is the ethical principle that states have a responsibility to protect their own citizens from harm, and also to protect citizens of other states from harm if their own government is unable or unwilling to do so.
What is the doctrine of ultra vires?
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The principle that a delegated body cannot exceed the powers granted to it
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The principle that a delegated body must act in accordance with the enabling legislation
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The principle that a delegated body must not act arbitrarily or unreasonably
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All of the above
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The doctrine of ultra vires is the principle that a delegated body cannot exceed the powers granted to it, must act in accordance with the enabling legislation, and must not act arbitrarily or unreasonably.
Which international declaration serves as the foundation for human rights?
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Universal Declaration of Human Rights
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International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
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International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
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Convention on the Rights of the Child
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, is the foundation for international human rights law.
Which international human rights treaty specifically addresses the rights of persons with disabilities?
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Universal Declaration of Human Rights
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International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
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International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
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Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international human rights treaty that specifically addresses the rights of persons with disabilities.
What is the principle of accountability in human rights?
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Individuals and states are responsible for upholding human rights
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Human rights violations can be justified in certain circumstances
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Human rights are not legally enforceable
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Human rights are only applicable in times of peace
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The principle of accountability in human rights holds individuals and states responsible for upholding human rights and addressing violations.