Human Rights and International Law
Human Rights and International Law
Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, human rights have been enshrined in international law. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, both adopted in 1966, are the key international human rights treaties. The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights entered into force in 1976.
The human rights enshrined in these treaties are the civil and political rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the economic, social and cultural rights set out in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is the key international human rights treaty. It sets out the civil and political rights of everyone, without discrimination. The Covenant protects the right to life, liberty and security of person, the right to a fair trial, the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the right to privacy, the freedom of religion, expression, association and peaceful assembly, and the right to participate in public affairs.
The Covenant also protects the rights of minorities and the rights of people with disabilities.
The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights entered into force in 1976. It allows individuals to complain to the Human Rights Committee if they believe their rights have been violated by a state party to the Covenant.
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights sets out the economic, social and cultural rights of everyone, without discrimination. The Covenant protects the right to work, the right to an adequate standard of living, the right to education, the right to the highest attainable standard of health, and the right to social security.
The human rights enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights are interdependent and indivisible. The realisation of one right often depends upon the realisation of another.
The human rights enshrined in international law are justiciable. This means that individuals can access justice if their rights are violated.
The human rights enshrined in international law are also enforceable. This means that states are obligated to take measures to ensure that everyone can enjoy their human rights.
The human rights enshrined in international law are universal. This means that everyone is entitled to the protection of their human rights, regardless of their race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
The human rights enshrined in international law are inalienable. This means that they cannot be taken away from someone.
The human rights enshrined in international law are indivisible. This means that they are all of equal importance and none can be given priority over another.
The human rights enshrined in international law are interdependent. This means that the realisation of one right often depends upon the realisation of another.
The human rights enshrined in international law are interrelated. This means that they are all linked and should be considered together.
The human rights enshrined in international law are inseparable. This means that they are all part of a single whole and cannot be separated from each other.