Human rights and the UN
The United Nations has played a pivotal role in the evolution of human rights norms and in development of the legal framework for the promotion and protection of these rights.
In 1948 the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first multinational agreement to mention human rights by name. The Universal Declaration is not legally binding but its ideas have been elaborated into a legal framework comprised of binding treaties. The core international human rights treaties are available in the scroll down menu below.
Articles available here
listed below, in the order in which they came into force: Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) {read here} 1965 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) {read here} 1966 International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (not yet in force) {read here} Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) {read here} Several of the above treaties feature optional protocols, provisions added to the legislation after its entry into force. Signatories can choose whether also to sign the optional protocol. This list is not finite, and discussions are ongoing to add to it. Negotiations are being held, for example, to create a declaration on the rights of the disabled and on forced disappearances. |
UNA-UK latest news
25 January - Business leaders back leprosy appeal 15 business leaders including Richard Branson and Ratan N Tata met in Mumbai on 25 January to launch the fifth global appeal to end stigma and discrimination against people affected by leprosy. Leprosy affects millions of people worldwide and while leprosy is approaching the status of a rare disease the problem of discrimination remains. Click here to read more |
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10 December - Celebrating Human Rights Day Human Rights Day is celebrated each year on 10 December - the day in 1948 on which the UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. All over the world, this occasion is used to promote respect for human rights and human dignity as 'the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world'. Click here to read Ms Pillay's full statement |
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