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LEX RUSSICA (Russian Law)
Reference:

Lyutov, N.L. Jus Cogens norms and international labor law

Abstract: The article includes analysis of the possible existence of the imperative norms of general international law (Jus Cogens) in the international labor law. The Jus Cogens norms are the highest source of law in the hierarchy of international law, and no international treaty or other source of international law may contradict Jus Cogens. However, the Russian and foreign doctrines of labor law present a variety of opinions on which norms may be recognized as Jus Cogens in the international labor law. One may state, that the representatives of the labor law science, are much more liberal towards the possible list o Jus Cogens norms in the international labor law, when compared to the international law scholars. Considering the possibility for the Jus Cogens norm to appear without the consent of the sovereign state, and the conservative practice of the international judicial bodies towards this type of legal norms, as well as the danger of use of this concept for the political purposes, rather than for the protection of human rights, the article calls for a careful approach to the norms in question. Based upon the decisions of international courts, one may recognize legitimization of the Jus Cogens norms on prohibition of discrimination and slavery (being an extreme form of forced labor). However, all other human rights in the sphere of labor may be regarded as only being in the process of their possible formation as Jus Cogens norms.

Keywords:

jurisprudence, Jus Cogens, labor law, international labor law, the ILO, the ILO Declaration of 1998, the imperative norms, the basic principles.

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