Journal of Legal Research

Journal of Legal Research

The Right to Happiness and the Pursuit of Happiness as a Universal Human Right and Its Relationship with Other Fundamental Human Rights

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 PhD student in Public Law, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Public and International Law, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
The right to happiness and the pursuit of happiness, as a human right of a universal character, has been recognized in various international human rights instruments and conventions and maintains a close relationship with a broad range of fundamental human rights. This article seeks to clarify the status and dimensions of this right by examining it within the framework of the three generations of human rights, namely civil and political rights (first-generation), economic, social, and cultural rights (second-generation), and solidarity rights (third-generation). The central question of this study concerns the relationship between the right to happiness and the pursuit of happiness and other human rights within the international human rights system. In this regard, the article analyzes the connection between this right and fundamental human rights across each of the three generations of rights and demonstrates that the international human rights system, albeit often indirectly, emphasizes the necessity of creating the conditions required for individuals to enjoy a life of dignity and fulfillment. Adopting a descriptive-analytical methodology, the study finds that the right to happiness and the pursuit of happiness has been acknowledged and safeguarded through a range of international legal instruments and norms, particularly in connection with the protection of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. This reflects the polycentric, evolving, and interdisciplinary nature of the right within the framework of international human rights law.
Keywords

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