Postgraduate Student of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs

Abstract

The article actualizes the concept, essence, and significance of the state's law enforcement function and its fundamental component — law enforcement activity. The correlation between law enforcement activity and the closely related concept of human rights protection activity is examined. It is emphasized that this issue becomes particularly relevant under conditions of martial law.

It is noted that the phenomenon of law enforcement activity cannot be fully revealed without considering such interrelated definitions as the law enforcement function of the state and law enforcement agencies. It is established that a key feature of the law enforcement function is the presence of both internal and external dimensions of its implementation. These are reflected in the protection of the constitutional order, the maintenance of legality and public order, the protection of citizens' rights and freedoms, property, natural resources and the environment, the fight against crimes and other offenses, their timely prevention, as well as the activities of specially authorized state bodies in preventing violations of international law.

It is emphasized that law enforcement activity is a specific type of state activity aimed at protecting the law, carried out by specially authorized state bodies through the application of legal measures of influence in strict accordance with the procedure established by law.

It is stated that although law enforcement and human rights protection activities are similar in content and significance, there are fundamental differences. Law enforcement requires the application of coercive measures and, therefore, can be carried out only by public authorities. In contrast, human rights protection does not require a special state-organizational mechanism and can also be carried out by non-governmental organizations.