International Human Rights Instruments Flashcards
(45 cards)
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)?
An internationally recognized instrument containing 30 articles aimed at delivering basic human rights
Adopted by the United Nations on 10th December, 1948 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Is the UDHR a legally binding document?
No, it is not a legally binding document because it is not a treaty.
What are the two treaty-based international human rights instruments adopted in 1966?
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
- International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
What does the International Bill of Rights (IBR) consist of?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
What are the key components of the preamble of the UDHR?
- Justice, peace, and freedom are linked to respect for human rights
- Human rights arise from the dignity of each person
- All states must respect and promote human rights.
What is the significance of treaty-based human rights instruments?
They are legally binding documents that require ratifying states to follow what is stated.
What rights are emphasized in the ICESCR?
- Right to work
- Right to favorable conditions of work
- Right to social security
- Right to education
- Right to health.
What are the main rights included in the ICCPR?
- Right to life
- Freedom from torture
- Right to a fair trial
- Freedom of opinion
- Political rights.
What is the purpose of the first Optional Protocol of the ICCPR?
It allows individuals to complain about human rights violations to the UN Human Rights Committee.
What does the second Optional Protocol of the ICCPR focus on?
The abolition of the death penalty.
What is the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)?
A convention aimed at addressing and eliminating racial discrimination.
What are some provisions of the ICERD?
- Condemn racial discrimination
- Promote equality
- Protect against racial discrimination.
What does the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) address?
It focuses on promoting and protecting the rights of women.
What are key provisions of CEDAW?
- Eliminate discrimination against women
- Ensure equality in legislation
- Modify cultural practices that discriminate against women.
What is the purpose of the Convention Against Torture (CAT)?
To forbid torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.
What does the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers (CMW) focus on?
It ensures migrant workers’ rights and judicial remedies for violations.
What are some categories of migrant workers outlined by the CMW?
- Frontier Workers
- Seasonal Workers
- Self-employed Workers.
What is the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)?
The only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument.
What are some provisions of the UNCAC?
- Preventive measures
- Criminalization of corruption
- International cooperation
- Asset recovery.
What is the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights?
An international human rights instrument promoting and protecting human rights in Africa.
What are individual rights in the African Charter?
Rights derived from the ICCPR and ICESCR, such as the right to equality and legal defense.
What are people’s rights in the African Charter?
Rights enjoyed as a group, such as the right to self-determination and a clean environment.
What duties do citizens have under the African Charter?
To exercise rights with respect for others’ rights and to preserve African cultural values.
What obligations do states have under the African Charter?
- Recognize rights enshrined in the Charter
- Adopt legislative measures
- Ensure judicial independence.
