International Human Rights Law

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, is a foundational document in international human rights law, setting out a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms.

The Human Rights Council, established in 2006, is the UN body tasked with promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.

The Convention against Torture, adopted in 1984, is a key treaty that prohibits torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

The principle of non-discrimination is a fundamental principle in international human rights law, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, adopted in 1976, sets out the economic, social, and cultural rights that all individuals are entitled to, including the right to work, the right to social security, the right to education, and the right to health.

The principle of self-determination is a fundamental principle in international human rights law, recognizing the right of peoples to determine their own political status and pursue their own economic, social, and cultural development.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989, is a comprehensive treaty that sets out the rights of children, including the right to life, the right to education, and the right to protection from abuse and exploitation.

The principle of accountability in international human rights law holds states responsible for respecting, protecting, and fulfilling human rights, and for taking steps to prevent and address human rights violations.

The principle of universality in international human rights law recognizes that human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent, and interrelated, and that all human beings are entitled to these rights without distinction of any kind.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted in 2006, is a comprehensive treaty that sets out the rights of persons with disabilities, including the right to equality, the right to accessibility, and the right to live independently.

The principle of due process in international human rights law ensures that everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, and that their rights are respected throughout the legal process.

The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted in 2007, is a comprehensive declaration that sets out the rights of indigenous peoples, including the right to self-determination, the right to land and resources, and the right to cultural identity.

The principle of non-refoulement in international human rights law prohibits the return of individuals to a country where they would face persecution or other serious harm.

The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, adopted in 1990, is a comprehensive treaty that sets out the rights of migrant workers and their families, including the right to work, the right to social security, and the right to family reunification.

The principle of equality before the law in international human rights law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status, and ensures that everyone is entitled to equal protection of the law.