The United Nations and the Universal Human Rights System

Summary

The United Nations (UN) human rights pillar, established after World War II, works to safeguard fundamental human rights globally. Initially led by the Commission on Human Rights, the UN created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This document laid the groundwork for international human rights treaties and mechanisms. In 2006, the Human Rights Council replaced the Commission, strengthening human rights enforcement. Through treaties and special procedures like Special Rapporteurs, the Council monitors and holds states accountable for violations, despite some objections to foreign intervention in domestic affairs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The United Nations (UN) has three pillars: Human Rights, Peace and Security, and Sustainable Development.
• 😀 The UN's human rights pillar emerged from the aftermath of World War II to protect fundamental human rights and dignity.
• 😀 The Commission on Human Rights was the UN's primary body for human rights and was tasked with drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
• 😀 The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, as a roadmap to guarantee the rights of all individuals globally.
• 😀 In 2006, the Commission on Human Rights was replaced by the stronger Human Rights Council, which is mandated to promote and protect human rights.
• 😀 States have negotiated and agreed on international human rights treaties that cover issues like racial discrimination, women's rights, children's rights, and the prevention of torture.
• 😀 Countries that sign and ratify human rights treaties are legally bound to uphold international human rights law.
• 😀 States engage with expert treaty bodies and the UN Human Rights Council's mechanisms, such as the Universal Periodic Review, to align domestic laws with international human rights norms.
• 😀 The Human Rights Council can address human rights violations through mechanisms like country-specific Special Rapporteurs, which were first introduced in the 1960s to address violations in apartheid South Africa.
• 😀 Some states object to UN action on human rights violations, claiming it interferes with their sovereignty and domestic affairs.

Q & A

What are the three pillars of the United Nations?

The three pillars of the United Nations are peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.

What historical event led to the creation of the United Nations' human rights pillar?

The destruction caused by World War II was the key event that led to the establishment of the United Nations' human rights pillar.

What was the primary purpose of the UN Charter?

The primary purpose of the UN Charter was to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights and the dignity of the human person.

What was the role of the Commission on Human Rights?

The Commission on Human Rights was established as the UN's principal body for human rights. One of its first tasks was to draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

What was the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948 and was designed to complement the UN Charter by providing a roadmap to guarantee the rights of every individual worldwide.

When was the Commission on Human Rights replaced, and by what body?

In 2006, the Commission on Human Rights was replaced by the Human Rights Council, a smaller and stronger body.

What is the role of the Human Rights Council?

The Human Rights Council is mandated to both promote and protect the rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

How do states engage with international human rights law?

States engage with international human rights law by negotiating and agreeing to various human rights treaties, which they can then sign and ratify. This binds them to international law.

What are Special Rapporteurs, and when were they first appointed?

Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed to address human rights violations in specific countries. The first Special Rapporteur was appointed in the 1960s to address human rights violations in apartheid South Africa.

What is a common objection some states have to UN human rights actions?

Some states argue that UN actions to address human rights violations represent unwarranted foreign interference in their domestic sovereign affairs.