Week 3

Question 1

What event marked the beginning of the abolition of slavery in international law?

Answer 1

Congress of Vienna (1815)

This marked a significant political agreement among European powers regarding the status of slavery.

Question 2

What was established by the 1926 Slavery Convention?

Answer 2

International commitment to abolish slavery

This convention aimed to eradicate slavery globally.

Question 3

What does the 1956 Supplementary Convention address?

Answer 3

Further measures against slavery and servitude

This convention expanded upon previous agreements to combat slavery.

Question 4

What is the significance of the Hague Conventions (1907)?

Answer 4

Established rules for humanitarian law and the laws of war

These conventions set the groundwork for modern international humanitarian law.

Question 5

What do the Geneva Conventions (1949) focus on?

Answer 5

Protection of individuals in armed conflicts

They are crucial for the humanitarian treatment of war victims.

Question 6

What was the purpose of the Nuremberg Tribunal?

Answer 6

To prosecute war crimes after WWII

It established precedents for international law and accountability.

Question 7

What is the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC)?

Answer 7

To prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity

The ICC aims to hold offenders accountable at an international level.

Question 8

What treaty was established by the 1878 Treaty of Berlin?

Answer 8

Minority rights protections

This treaty aimed to address the rights of ethnic and national minorities.

Question 9

What is the International Labour Organization (ILO)?

Answer 9

A UN agency focused on promoting labor rights and social justice

The ILO establishes international labor standards.

Question 10

What is a key characteristic of treaties in international human rights law?

Answer 10

They create common standards agreed upon by multiple countries

Treaties are foundational to international human rights frameworks.

Question 11

What is the International Bill of Human Rights?

Answer 11

A collection of international documents that outline fundamental human rights

It includes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and two key covenants.

Question 12

When was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted?

Answer 12

1948

This document is considered a milestone in the history of human rights.

Question 13

What are the two key covenants included in the International Bill of Human Rights?

Answer 13

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

These covenants detail specific rights and obligations.

Question 14

What does the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1969) aim to achieve?

Answer 14

To eliminate racial discrimination and promote equality

This convention is crucial for combating systemic racism.

Question 15

What does CEDAW stand for?

Answer 15

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

It aims to promote women’s rights and gender equality.

Question 16

What is the main purpose of the Convention Against Torture (1987)?

Answer 16

To prevent torture and inhumane treatment

This convention establishes the absolute prohibition of torture.

Question 17

What does the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990) focus on?

Answer 17

The rights and protections of children

It is the most widely ratified human rights treaty.

Question 18

What year was the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted?

Answer 18

2008

This convention promotes the rights of people with disabilities.

Question 19

What is the role of formal monitoring institutions in human rights law?

Answer 19

To ensure compliance with international human rights treaties

They include treaty bodies, the UN Human Rights Council, and national institutions.

Question 20

What does ratification of a treaty signify?

Answer 20

Makes a treaty legally binding for the state

It is a crucial step in the treaty process.

Question 21

What is the difference between signature and ratification?

Answer 21

Signature expresses intention to comply; ratification makes it binding

This distinction is important in international law.

Question 22

What is a reservation in the context of international treaties?

Answer 22

Allows a state to opt out of specific provisions

Reservations can complicate treaty compliance.

Question 23

Which body monitors the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)?

Answer 23

Human Rights Committee

This committee oversees the implementation of the covenant.

Question 24

What is the significance of the periodic reporting system?

Answer 24

Ensures states report on their compliance with human rights obligations

It allows for accountability and assessment of progress.

Question 25

What is the concept of 'progressive realization' in human rights?

Answer 25

The gradual implementation of economic, social, and cultural rights ## Footnote This acknowledges varying capacities of states in realizing these rights.

Question 26

What are some objections against a unified human rights convention?

Answer 26

* ESCR not considered inherent or fundamental * ESCR seen as objectives rather than rights * Implementation challenges * Cold War politics labeling ESCR as communist ## Footnote These objections highlight political and philosophical divides.

Question 27

What is the argument for the indivisibility of human rights?

Answer 27

Both ESCR and CPR depend on economic and social conditions ## Footnote This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of all rights.

Question 28

True or False: The ICCPR has been more influential than the ICESCR.

Answer 28

True ## Footnote The ICCPR's focus on civil and political rights has garnered more attention.