unit 4 topic 1 vocab

qcaa qce criterion

human rights

the inalienable entitlements inherent to all individuals by virtue of their humanity, recognized and protected by both constitutional frameworks and international legal instruments, such as the UDHR

covenants

a binding international legal instrument through which state parties undertake specific obligations, e.g. the ICESCR imposes duties on signatory states to progressively realize socioeconomic rights

treaties

an international agreement concluded in written form between two or more states and is governed by international law. a treaty gives rise to international legal rights and obligations.

states

a sovereign legal entity possessing a permanent population, defined territory, government, and is recognised as a subject of international law capable of assuming treaty obligations

convention

a type of multilateral treaty which codifies norms and standards in areas such as humanitarian law and human rights

ratification

the formal act by which a state confirms its consent to be legally bound by a treaty, following domestic procedures, such as parliamentary approval, thereby legally enforcing the treaty’s obligations in domestic law

Bill of Rights

a constitutional or statutory instrument that enumerates and guarantees fundamental civil liberties and human rights, enforceable against the state; while some jurisdictions have entrenched bills, others rely on legislative enactments or common law protections, such as Australia

Royal Commission

a formal, temporary public investigation, established by government to examine an important or controversial issue of significant public concern, such as systemic failings or major events. It has broad investigatory powers to gather evidence, compel witnesses under oath, and can refer matters to authorities for criminal investigation.