International legal mechanisms for ensuring public security and protecting public order under martial law

Abstract

This study examines international legal mechanisms for ensuring public security and protecting public order during the implementation of martial law. The relevance of the research arises from the increasing frequency of emergency regimes in contemporary geopolitical conflicts and the need to balance state security measures with international human rights obligations. The purpose of the study is to analyse how international legal instruments influence the regulation of public security and law enforcement activities under martial law in different jurisdictions. The research applies a comparative legal approach combined with case study analysis and the examination of statistical indicators of crime rates and public order violations. The empirical scope includes Ukraine, Turkey, Thailand, Pakistan, and the Philippines, which represent diverse geopolitical and legal contexts of martial law implementation. The findings indicate that the introduction of martial law is often associated with changes in crime rates and public order violations; however, these dynamics vary significantly depending on institutional capacity, duration of emergency measures, and the level of political conflict. The analysis demonstrates that international legal frameworks, including human rights conventions and international humanitarian law, provide normative safeguards, yet their practical implementation remains uneven across national systems. The study highlights the importance of strengthening judicial oversight, improving coordination between civilian and military authorities, and harmonizing national legislation with international legal standards. These findings contribute to the development of more effective legal mechanisms for maintaining public security during emergency regimes while safeguarding fundamental rights.