The document provides an overview of the international human rights system, including: 1) It discusses the key events that prompted the development of international human rights law after World War II and the establishment of the UN. 2) It describes the key human rights documents that make up the International Bill of Rights - the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 3) It provides an overview of the main UN bodies that monitor compliance with human rights treaties, including the Human Rights Council, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Special Rapporteurs.

1. Presentation 3.2: Human Rights and the International Human Rights System This presentation is self-paced. Each slide is organized as a question and answer. Use the navigation bar below to go to the next slide. Previous Pause/Play Next Click the “Next” button to begin Presentation 3.2

8. What is the International Bill of Rights? Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) December 10, 1948 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Adopted by UN General Assembly in 1966 Entered into Force in 1976 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) Adopted by UN General Assembly in 1966 Entered into Force in 1976 First Optional Protocol to the ICCPR Member States permit individual or groups to report personal human rights violations to the UN Human Rights Committee Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR Abolition of the death penalty

12. What are some other major international human rights instruments? For more information go to: www.ohchr.org 1990 Convention on the Protection of Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (ICRMWC) Migrant workers 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) Children’s rights 1984 Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) Torture 1979 Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Discrimination against women 1965 Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) Racial discrimination Year adopted by UN General Assembly Name of instrument Area of attention

13. What are the steps to becoming a party to a treaty? Formulation: UN and special agencies formulate a draft document Adoption: Draft is voted upon by representatives of states, members of the Human Rights Council, and General Assembly Signing: A State that signs a treaty expresses their intention to ratify Ratification: Expression of acceptance of the obligation of a treaty by State party Entry into Force: A treaty becomes ‘active’ after a specified number of States have ratified the treaty. The specifications vary per treaty. Reservation: A State can exclude or modify certain parts of a treaty if it is compatible with treaty objectives