What is meant by core human rights? All rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. While international human rights law allows for legitimate limitations, derogations and reservations, they must be exercised under strict circumstances. Even in exceptional situations, certain core human rights must apply at all times. Core rights are protected under international customary law and international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The Human Rights Committee (HRC) and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) have identified and interpreted the core rights through their General Comments, which are authoritative interpretations of the relevant treaty provi