The article examines the specifics of the realization of the right to life as one of the fundamental rights of every human being, enshrined in international law and the constitutions of most countries of the world. Despite the proclamation of the universality and absoluteness of this right, its implementation faces many problems and limitations caused by various social, economic, political and legal factors. This scientific article analyzes current trends in the realization of the right to life, identifies existing difficulties and suggests possible ways to overcome them. The issues of correlation between international and national legislation, the influence of social factors and economic conditions on the possibility of the full realization of the right to life, the role of the state and society in ensuring the security of the individual are considered. The article includes an overview of the main international documents regulating the right to life, an analysis of Russian and international legislation in this area. Special attention is paid to the prospects for improving Russian legislation aimed at improving the level of protection of citizens' lives. The main conclusions of the study are the need for an integrated approach to ensuring the right to life, including legislative regulation measures, improving the legal culture of the population, strengthening the law enforcement system and intensifying the human rights activities of public organizations.