Final answer:
The human rights code typically refers to International law, which includes sets of formal and informal rules recognized by states and international entities that govern international relations, including human rights. Domestic laws may also pertain to human rights at various jurisdictions within a country. Hence, the correct answer is option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is D. International law, which comprises sets of rules that govern international relations and are recognized by states and international entities. States and entities may recognize formal statements or conventions regarding human rights, such as the examples provided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and various human rights treaties. Notably, international law includes areas such as the law of the sea, the Geneva Conventions, and human rights law, which have developed from both functional needs and moral obligations.
However, it is important to understand that each country may also have its own laws concerning human rights, which are domestic and can exist at the federal, municipal, or provincial levels. These domestic laws coexist with international human rights laws and may provide citizens with rights and protections within their jurisdictions. For example, the Human Rights Act 1998 in the UK is an instance of domestic legislation that aligns with international human rights principles.