Readings Week 1

Question 1

What is the goal of History of HR?

Answer 1

The chapter outlines the historical development of human rights, starting from domestic law and evolving into international law, particularly since the late eighteenth century

Question 2

What were certain early milestones?

Answer 2

Key milestones include the Magna Carta of 1215, which marked the beginning of limiting sovereign power, and the English Bill of Rights of 1689, which established certain rights, albeit limited

Question 3

Which thinkers did significantly influence HR and how?

Answer 3

Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau significantly influenced human rights concepts, advocating for natural rights and government by consent

Question 4

Which documents/establishments turned the thought of Locke and Rousseau into law?

Answer 4

The US Declaration of Independence (1776) and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789) transformed these philosophical ideas into positive law, establishing legal protections for individual rights

Question 5

What were the critics of Jeremy Bentham?

Answer 5

The nineteenth century saw challenges to natural rights, with critics like Jeremy Bentham arguing for the necessity of legal protections

Question 6

The aftermath of the WWII

Answer 6

The aftermath of World War II led to the establishment of the UN and the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, marking a significant step in international human rights law

Question 7

What is the International Bill of Human Rights?

Answer 7

It is a collective term for three core United Nations documents that define fundamental human rights standards.

Question 8

Which documents make up the international bill of human rights

Answer 8

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948)

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966)

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR, 1966)

Question 9

What is the purpose of the UDHR (1948)

Answer 9

It outlines universal ideals and standards for human rights; it is not legally binding.

Question 10

What is the difference between the ICCPR and the ICESCR?

Answer 10

ICCPR protects civil and political rights (e.g., freedom of speech, right to life, fair trial).

ICESCR ensures economic, social and cultural rights (e.g., right to work, education, health).

Question 11

Are the covenants legally binding?

Answer 11

Yes, the ICCPR and ICESCR are binding treaties for states that have ratified them.

Question 12

How is compliance with the covenants monitored?

Answer 12

Through UN monitoring committees that review state reports and issue recommendations.