principle treaties

Refugee Convention

• adopted in 1951 in response to refugee crisis following WWII

• convention provides internationally recognised definition of a refugee and outlines legal protection, rights and assistance a refugee is entitled to receive

• 1967 protocol removed original geographic and time limitations of the convention, extending its protections universally

• key principles include non-refoulement, non discrimination, non penalisation

• key obligations include “access to rights” and “right to documentation”

ICERD

• adopted in 1965, entered into force 1969

• purpose is to ensure states adopt all necessary measures for speedily eliminating racial discrimination in all forms to promote understanding between races and build int. community free from racial discrimination and segregation

• protects any individual or group against discrimination based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin

• key principle is the total eradication of racial discrimination and the promotion of understanding among all races

• key obligations include criminalising hate speech and racist organisations, providing effective remedies and legal protection through national tribunals, eliminating any laws that create or perpetuate racial discrimination, and submitting regular progress reports every 2 years to ICERD

CEDAW

• adopted 1979, entered into force 1981

• protects women against discrimination, defined as any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing women’s recognition, enjoyment or exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms

• key principles include substantive equality, state obligations extending to private conduct

• key obligations include eliminating discriminatory laws and practices, temporary special measures, modify social and cultural patterns and submit reports to CEDAW

CRC

• adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1990

• protects every human under 18 unless national law recognises an earlier age of majority

• applies to all children universally without exception

• purpose is to comprehensively outline and recognise children’s rights, positioning them as right holders rather than passive dependents and providing a universal framework for advancing their wellbeing, dignity and agency

• key principles include non discrimination, best interests of child, right to life, survival and development and respect for views of the child

• key obligations include effective provision of services, protection from harm, and submitting regular reports

CRPD

Torture one