Can human rights be limited?

Human rights can indeed be limited under specific conditions, which is why the choice indicating this is the correct answer. The international human rights framework recognizes that while human rights are fundamental and inalienable, they are not absolute. Various international treaties and legal texts, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), outline permissible limits.

These limitations must meet certain criteria: they should be provided by law, serve a legitimate aim (such as public safety, health, or morals), and be necessary and proportionate to that aim. This reflects a balance between individual rights and the needs of society, acknowledging that in certain contexts—such as public emergencies, national security issues, or the prevention of crime—it may be appropriate to impose restrictions on certain rights.

By contrast, the notion that human rights are absolute does not take into account the complexities and necessities of governance and social order, which can lead to chaos if rights are exercised without regard for the rights of others or the collective good. Similarly, advocating for limitations solely during wartime or only in the context of criminal acts would suggest that rights are never limited in peacetime or for individuals who are not suspected of crimes, which is not consistent with the established legal frameworks that dictate when