Human Rights Quiz

Human rights

indivisible rights which all human beings are entitled to by virtue of their humanity, without discrimination

5 types of human rights

• Civil: standard of judiciary/penal system

• Political: components of participation in political power

• Economic: sphere of human beings working, producing, and servicing

• Social: standards of living and equality of life

• Cultural: cultural sphere of life

Cultural relativism

the perspective that cultural practices, beliefs, and norms should be understood and judged within the context of their own culture

Liberty

principle of individual freedom and autonomy

Positive liberty

freedom to act and self-realize

Example: Education (the freedom to learn) or healthcare access (the freedom to be healthy)

Negative liberty

freedom from interference

Example: Freedom of speech (freedom from censorship)

Individual rights

inherent, inviolable entitlements and freedoms that individuals possess (Freedom of speech, assembly, privacy)

Collective rights

the rights and privileges granted to a group, aiming to protect the group’s interests (public education, social welfare, affirmative action)

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Foundational document adopted by the United Nations in 1948, outlining fundamental human rights and freedoms to be protected and upheld worldwide

International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

Adopted in 1965, defines racial discrimination comprehensively and obligates states to actively pursue elimination policies, not just avoid discrimination

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Adopted in 1966 to make UDHR principles legally binding—focuses on negative rights that require governments to refrain from interference

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Adopted in 1966 alongside ICCPR, focuses on positive rights requiring government action and resources

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

Adopted in 1979, defines discrimination against women and creates an action agenda for countries to end it, ensuring equality in political, economic, social, and cultural life

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

Adopted in 1984, obligating member states to prevent torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment within their jurisdiction (applies even during war or public emergencies)

Convention on the Rights of the Child

Adopted in 1989, establishing a legal framework defining children (under 18) as individuals with their own human rights, obligating governments to protect and fulfill these rights

International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families

Adopted in 1990, establishing universal standards to protect migrant workers and their families, covering their rights during the entire migration process

International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance

Adopted in 2006, obligating states to prevent, investigate, and punish enforced disappearances

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Adopted in 2006, setting global standards to protect the rights, dignity, and full inclusion of people with disabilities

Entities that observe HR

states, IGOs, NGOs, non-state actors (universities, reporters, MNCs)

IGOs powers to address HR violations

monitor state behavior, sign and enforce international HR treaties, use economic incentives to improve HR, direct intervention

NGOs powers to address HR violations

conduct research and create reports on HR violations, lobby, create public awareness campaigns, provide direct humanitarian support (ex: Amnesty International, Doctors without Borders, Human Rights Watch)

Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC), established in 1998 and entered into force in 2002. This treaty outlines the court's functions, jurisdiction, and procedures, enabling the prosecution of individuals for crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

International Criminal Court

permanent tribunal established to prosecute individuals for the most serious international crimes against humanity when national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable

Four main crimes brought to the ICC

Genocide, crimes against humanity (murder, rape, enslavement), war crimes, crimes of aggression (use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty of another State)

Charter

foundational document that established purpose, principles, and structure for an organization (ex: UN Charter)

Covenant

formal agreement; specific international treaty that creates legally binding obligations for countries (the product)

Convention

legally binding international agreement that countries voluntarily join to create common rules and standards on a specific issue (process)

Commission

specialized group of member states and experts that work on specific issues