12 HUMAN RIGHTS LAW


A The United Nations


The United Nations (UN) has created a global structure for protecting human rights. This is based on its Charter and on a variety of other non-binding declarations and legally binding treaties. The organization often finds it necessary to define rights in a cautious manner, as it is host to an extremely diverse group of member states, who have varying economic, social, cultural and political histories. Subsequently, the UN must


B Human Rights


aHuman rights are both inspirational and practical. Human rights principles hold up the vision of Human rights should also empower people with a framework


a free, just, and peaceful world and set minimum standards for how individuals and institutions everywhere should treat people. b


for action when those minimum standards are not met. c


even if the laws or those in power do not recognize or protect them. On the other hand, people exercise human rights often without realising it. d


Clearly, people still have human rights As Pam Costain, a human rights activist who


has worked in Central and South America, points out: ‘We experience our human rights every day in the United States when we worship according to our belief, or choose not to worship at all; when we debate and criticize government policies; when we join a trade union; when we travel to other parts of the country or overseas.’* * Costain, P. (1977). ‘Moving the Agenda Forward,’ Connection to the Americas 14, p. 4.


From Flowers, N. (ed.). (1998). Human Rights Here and Now: Celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Minnesota: University of Minnesota Human Rights Centre.


RULER CRACKS DOWN ON TRADE UNIONS


Army moves in to stop demonstrations


Extradition sought for ‘terrorist’


Military leaders turn down calls for early elections


Film companies aim to curb international piracy of DVDs


BORDER CLOSED AFTER REFUGEES FLOOD IN


Equal pay for equal work says women’s group


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find ways to accommodate such differences in its mechanisms for protecting the human rights which have been outlined in treaties and declarations. Thus, these methods may be less substantive or lack in strict enforcement as compared to those of regional institutions.


From Study Guide – The United Nations Human Rights System (2007) www.hrea.org/


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