Abstract:
This thesis aims to examine the concepts theories and legal principles related to the protection of human rights in the context of military coups. Historically, coups détat was seen merely as the seizure of state power from existing governments or changes in leadership, while political structures and socio-economic conditions often remained the same or deteriorated further. However, in contemporary global society, coups have become a major source of severe human rights violations particularly civil liberties and political rights against the majority of the population. Such actions have formed a persistent and destructive cycle of abuse that shows no signs of ending in the foreseeable future.
This study finds that, since the end of World War II up to 2024 (79 years) there have been at least 599 coups across more than 106 countries worldwide, averaging approximately 78 coups per year. These figures highlight the serious and widespread impact of human rights violations resulting from coups carried out by coup leaders and supported by states that recognize or assist governments installed through such unconstitutional means. The study reveals that the international community has yet to formulate or implement effective mechanisms or measures to prevent future coups and the associated human rights abuses.
In response to this persistent issue, the researcher proposes two international-level strategies: (1) measures to prevent and halt serious human rights violations resulting from military coups, and (2) the prohibition of recognizing governments formed through coups. These recommendations aim to establish more effective and efficient mechanisms to protect human rights and deter future unconstitutional seizures of power.