Limited enforceability of international standards

International standards may be set either by "hard law" in the form of international treaties and agreements, or by "soft law" in the form of intergovernmental resolutions, declarations and programme objectives. Little provision can usually be made for the enforcement of "hard law" which is frequently violated. Despite the formality of the settings in which "soft law" may be elaborated, it is of questionable status in international law. The status of the many declarations and resolutions elaborated by international nongovernmental bodies is even less binding, except amongst those who choose to be bound by them.