Formal statements of human rights

Main purpose of document

Key features/statements

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The UDHR was the first  declaration written by the UN.

 It recognises/outlines the inalienable rights of all human beings, with the aim of promoting freedom, justice and peace in the world.

Art 1: ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights’

Art 2: ‘No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment’

Art 24: ‘Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay’

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

The purpose of the ICCPR is to “Recognise that, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ideal of free human beings enjoying civil and political freedom and freedom from fear and want can only be achieved if conditions are created whereby everyone may enjoy his civil and political rights”. It

It forms part of the International Bill of Rights, along with the UDHR (sort of) and the ICESCR.

Article 1(1)- “All peoples have the right of self-determination....”

Article 4(1)-  “In time of public emergency... the States Parties to the present Covenant may take measures derogating from their obligations under the present Covenant… provided that such measures are not inconsistent with their other obligations under international law...”

Article 14(1)- “All persons shall be equal before the courts and tribunals. In the determination of any criminal charge against him, or of his rights and obligations in a suit at law, everyone shall be entitled to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law...”

Article 15(1)- “No one shall be held guilty of any criminal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a criminal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time when the criminal offence was committed. If, subsequent to the commission of the offence, provision is made by law for the imposition of the lighter penalty, the offender shall benefit thereby.”

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

It is recognised by the State Parties to this Covenant, ‘in accordance with the principles proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, that the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world’. (http://www.un-documents.net/icescr.htm).

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), widely outlines its main purpose to be to fully uphold the liberties and equal rights granted to all human beings. But further, in this particular Covenant it specifically outlines the inviolable economic, social and cultural rights granted to all human beings and from this the obligation of signatory states to protect and guarantee these rights.

The ICESCR forms a part of the International Bill of Rights.

Article 1 – “All peoples have the right to self-determination.”

Article 13 – “The State Parties to the present Covenant recognise the right of everyone to education”.

ICESCR includes the following key features -

-       ‘The right to work in jobs freely chosen’

-       ‘The right to an adequate standard of living’

-       ‘The right to the highest standard of physical and mental aid’

-       ‘The right to an education’

-       ‘The right of everyone to the benefits of cultural life and scientific progress’.