Examining the Role of International Human Rights Instruments in Guiding National and International Poverty Alleviation Policies: A Case Study of Iran’s Legal and Economic System

Abstract

The present study aims to explain how international human rights instruments influence the orientation of poverty alleviation policies at national and international levels, with a particular focus on examining the status of Iran’s legal and economic system. This research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method and a comparative legal approach. To achieve the research objectives, in addition to examining legal texts and international instruments, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the library research method was used to analyze the content of documents, and secondary economic data analysis was employed to assess the degree of conformity between Iran’s national policies and international standards. The findings of the study indicate that although Iran has drawn on international human rights instruments in some dimensions when formulating supportive policies, it faces serious challenges in transferring concepts from the level of “general obligations” to “executive requirements” within its legal and economic system. The results show that the overlap between traditional structures of wealth distribution and modern human rights requirements has prevented the reproduction of poverty alleviation policies based on a rights-based approach, leading instead to a stronger emphasis on supportive and temporary approaches. Furthermore, the gap between international standards and domestic economic-legal capacities is among the main factors preventing the full realization of poverty alleviation objectives. The study concludes that the orientation of poverty alleviation policies in Iran requires a transition from a “supportive, needs-based approach” to a “legal, rights-based approach.” In order to align with international standards, human rights instruments must be integrated into Iran’s economic system not merely as political slogans, but as binding rules in the formulation of tax laws, social security systems, and wealth distribution policies. Moreover, strengthening supervisory mechanisms to monitor the realization of economic and social rights is one of the important strategies for reducing the effects of poverty in Iran.