Human Rights Foundations (12 cards)

Soft Law

International norms, declarations, or agreements that are not legally binding but can influence state behavior.

Hard Law

Legally binding international agreements and treaties that create enforceable obligations.

American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man

The first international human rights declaration, adopted in 1948.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

A landmark 1948 UN declaration establishing a common standard of human rights for all people and nations.

Negative Obligation

The responsibility of a state to refrain from violating a person's rights.

Positive Obligation

The responsibility of a state to take action to protect and fulfill rights.

Universality and Inalienability

The principle that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and those rights cannot be taken away.

Indivisibility

The principle that all human rights have equal status and importance.

Interdependence and Interrelatedness

The principle that fulfillment of one right often depends on fulfillment of other rights.

Equality and Nondiscrimination

The principle that all individuals are equal and entitled to rights without discrimination.

Participation and Inclusion

The principle that all people have the right to participate in decision-making processes and access relevant information.

Accountability and Rule of Law

The principle that states and other duty-bearers must be accountable for respecting human rights.