The formal expression of inherent human rights is through international human rights law. A series of international human rights treaties and other instruments have emerged since 1945 conferring legal form on inherent human rights.

The creation of the United Nations provided an ideal forum for the development and adoption of international human rights instruments. Other instruments have been adopted at a regional level reflecting the particular human rights concerns of the region. Most States have also adopted constitutions and other laws which formally protect basic human rights. Often the language used by States is drawn directly from the international human rights instruments.