Foundation of Human Rights
What are human rights?
Basic rights and freedoms that are inherent to all people.
What is a treaty in international law?
A formal, legally binding agreement between two or more states (countries) that sets out obligations under international law.
Which document in 1948 is considered the foundation of international human rights law?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
What does it mean when a country ratifies a treaty?
Ratification means the country formally approves and accepts the treaty, making it legally binding on that state under international law.
What two principles state that human rights apply to everyone, and that they cannot be taken away.
Universality and Inalienability.
Explain the difference between signing and ratifying a treaty.
Signing shows a country’s intention to follow the treaty but is not legally binding; ratifying makes the treaty officially binding under international law.
Name the two main international covenants that, along with the UDHR, form the International Bill of Rights.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and,
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
What does Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) state?
Everyone has the right to freedom of expression and opinion.