human rights

What are human rights?

The rights that all human beings are entitled to simply because of their humanity, transcending culture, ethnicity, religious orientation, and nationality.

What is the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948?

It is a fundamental document outlining the minimal conditions of dignified life, stating that 'All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights'.

What are the core principles of human rights?

Human dignity, equality, non-discrimination, universality, interdependency, inalienability, responsibilities of governments, and indivisibility.

What was the abolition movement?

A worldwide political movement aimed at abolishing slavery.

What is human trafficking?

The commercial trade or trafficking of humans for purposes such as sex or forced labor.

What did the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 accomplish?

It ended slavery in all overseas colonies and Britain.

What does Article 4 of the UDHR state regarding slavery?

It states that 'no one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all forms'.

What role did the International Labour Organisation (ILO) play in labor rights?

It was created to improve conditions for workers globally and investigates forced labor and human trafficking.

What is suffrage?

The legal right to vote in a democratic election.

What was the significance of the women's suffrage movement in the 1890s?

It aimed to secure the right to vote for women, leading to various jurisdictions granting this right.

What does Article 21 of the UDHR stipulate?

It stipulates the right to take part in government, equal access to public service, and periodic genuine elections.

What was the Education Act 1870 (UK)?

It made education free, secular, and compulsory.

What is self-determination in the context of human rights?

The right of a people to determine their own political status and governance without undue influence.

What are environmental rights?

Rights advocating for a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as essential for enjoying other human rights.

What does the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peoples to Peace 1984 emphasize?

It emphasizes the collective right of individuals to live free from conflict and war crimes.

What is the International Bill of Rights?

It consists of the UDHR, ICCPR, and ICESCR, providing a comprehensive framework for human rights.

What does the ICCPR commit its parties to respect?

It commits parties to respect civil and political rights, such as the right to life and freedom of speech.

What are the obligations created by the ICESCR?

States are obligated to work towards granting economic, social, and cultural rights, including labor rights and the right to health.

What is state sovereignty?

The right of a nation to govern itself and create its own laws without external influence.

How did the 13th Amendment of the US Constitution impact slavery?

It outlawed slavery in the United States in 1865.

What was the role of the Tolpuddle Martyrs in labor rights history?

They were a group that demanded higher wages and were punished by being sent to Australia for 7 years.

What does the Fair Work Act 2009 relate to?

It entrenches labor rights and conditions in Australian legislation.

What is the significance of the 1962 voting rights for Indigenous Australians?

It granted Indigenous people the legal right to vote in Australia.

What is the purpose of the UN Human Rights Committee?

To oversee compliance by member states with the ICCPR and investigate violations.

What is the relationship between the UDHR and international customary law?

While the UDHR is not binding, it is argued to be a part of international customary law.

What does the term 'indivisibility' mean in the context of human rights?

It means that human rights cannot be divided or prioritized over one another.

What is the significance of the Rio Declaration 1992?

It advocates for environmental rights, emphasizing the connection between a healthy environment and the enjoyment of human rights.

What historical event marked the beginning of the abolition of slavery in Britain?

The Slavery Abolition Act 1833, which ended slavery in all overseas colonies and Britain.

What is the role of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)?

An international agency of the UN created to improve conditions for workers around the world.

What was the significance of the 13th amendment of the US Constitution?

It outlawed slavery in the United States in 1865.

What does the UDHR Article 21 stipulate?

It stipulates the right to take part in government, equal access to public service, and periodic and genuine elections of universal suffrage.

What is the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peoples to Peace?

A declaration stating the collective right of all individuals to live free from conflict and war crimes.

What does the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) commit its parties to?

It commits parties to respect civil and political rights, such as the right to life, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial.

What is the role of the UN Human Rights Committee?

To oversee compliance by member states with the ICCPR and investigate violations.

What does the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) obligate states to do?

It obligates states to work towards granting economic, social, and cultural rights, such as labor rights and the right to education.

What historical change occurred in the 1960s regarding self-determination?

53 territories became self-governing independent states.

What is the significance of the Fair Work Act 2009 in Australia?

It entrenches labor rights and protections for workers.

What does Article 26 of the UDHR state about education?

It states that everyone has the right to education, which should be free and compulsory at least in elementary stages.

What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution on labor rights?

It led to the emergence of trade unions aimed at protecting workers' rights.

What is the significance of the Tolpuddle Martyrs?

They were a group of workers who demanded higher wages and were punished, highlighting the struggles for labor rights.

What does the term 'suffragette' refer to?

A supporter of women's right to vote.

What was the outcome of the women's suffrage movement in Australia by 1905?

Victoria became the last Australian jurisdiction to grant universal suffrage.

What are the three major dimensions of human rights that the UN focuses on?

Standard-setting, monitoring, and implementation on the ground.

What challenges does the UN face in promoting and enforcing human rights?

Diverse membership and nations mistreating citizens due to lack of resources, structures, or political will.

What was the significance of the Toonen vs Australia case in 1994?

It exemplified the UN's effectiveness in protecting human rights when states uphold legal obligations from international law.

What is the role of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in relation to human rights?

The UNSC deals with the maintenance of international peace and security, can make binding resolutions, and intervene in serious human rights abuses.

What principle did the UNSC invoke in 2011 to protect Libya?

The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle.

What is the International Bill of Human Rights?

It includes the ICCPR and ICESCR, which are binding and enforceable treaties that promote human rights.

What are some limitations of the UN in promoting human rights?

Nations like China ignore human rights, ICCPR and ICESCR are derailed by state sovereignty, and environmental treaties are not binding.

What is the role of the UN General Assembly in human rights?

It serves as the main forum for discussion about human rights between states.

What happened to Libya's membership in the Human Rights Council?

The United Nations General Assembly suspended Libya's membership in 2011 due to concerns over human rights abuses.

What is the Office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR)?

Established in 1993, it promotes human rights contained in the UDHR and ensures compliance with the ICCPR.

Who was the High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2018?

Michelle Bachelet from Spain.

What is the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)?

An intergovernmental body established in 2006 that addresses human rights abuses and allows individuals to bring complaints.

How many members does the UN Human Rights Council have?

47 members.

What criticism has the UNHRC faced?

It has been criticized for prioritizing political interests over human rights interests.

What actions can the UNSC take in response to serious human rights abuses?

It can authorize military action, impose sanctions, or deploy peacekeeping forces.

What was the outcome of the UNSC's actions in Libya?

The UNSC invoked R2P to prevent attacks on civilians during the conflict.

What is a significant example of the UN's ineffectiveness in human rights?

The failure of R2P in Yemen, Syria, and Sudan.

What was the impact of election monitoring by the UN?

It helped countries conduct more free elections.

What is a major issue with UN measures regarding human rights?

Many measures are generally considered soft law.

What does the UNHRC's complaints procedure allow?

It allows individuals to bring human rights issues to the attention of the Council.

What significant action did Trump take regarding the UNHRC in 2018?

He withdrew the United States from the UNHRC in protest against allegations against Israel.

How does the UNHRC handle member suspensions?

Members can be suspended for serious human rights violations, as seen with Libya in 2011.

What significant action did Biden take in 2022 regarding international organizations?

Biden rejoined the UNHRC.

Who is Bertrand de Crombrugghe?

He is the Vice President of the UNHRC.

What was noted about the effectiveness of the UNHRC in processing cases?

A report by Theodor Rathgeber indicated that cases took 4 years to process and only 40% of all cases have been responded to.

What are IGOs and how are they created?

IGOs are created by an agreement between states using an international treaty as a charter to outline their purpose of operation.

What are the characteristics of IGOs?

They are permanent, meet regularly, and are involved in international law.

What is the Commonwealth of Nations?

The Commonwealth is an organization of 54 member states, primarily former colonies of Britain, aimed at promoting democracy, rule of law, and human rights.

What actions has the Commonwealth taken against member states for human rights abuses?

It has suspended nations in the past, such as Zimbabwe and Fiji in 2002 due to military coups.

What is the role of the Council of Europe?

The Council of Europe promotes democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in Europe.

How many member states are in the Council of Europe?

There are 47 member states.

What mechanism does the Council of Europe use to enforce human rights?

It enforces human rights through the Commissioner of Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights.

What is the European Court of Human Rights and when was it established?

Established in 1959, it is part of the Council of Europe and considers cases from individuals or states against countries bound by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

What is the requirement for EU states regarding the ECHR?

All EU states must comply with the ECHR.

How did the UK respond to rulings from the European Court of Human Rights?

The UK revised their domestic laws after ECHR rulings.

Why is the European Court of Human Rights considered a positive example for the rest of the world?

It is seen as successful in enforcing human rights standards.

What was the ruling of the International Court of Justice regarding the West Bank barrier?

The court ruled that the West Bank barrier was against international law.

What organizations argued that the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory created human rights abuses?

NGOs such as the Red Cross and Amnesty International.

What is the primary function of the International Criminal Court (ICC)?

To prosecute individuals accused of serious human rights abuses.

What is a notable case prosecuted by the International Criminal Court?

Thomas Lubanga, Germain Katanga, and Jean-Pierre Bemba.

What was the purpose of the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia?

To address human rights abuses in the past.

How many persons were indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia?

161 persons were indicted for crimes such as crimes against humanity.

What does the Human Rights Committee assess?

Member state compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

What is the process for individuals or states to complain to the Human Rights Committee?

States or individuals can complain directly to the Committee, which hears the complaint and makes rulings on compliance.

What is the nature of the decisions made by the Human Rights Committee?

The decisions are unenforceable but highly influential.

What was the significance of the Toonen v. Australia case?

It demonstrated the strong persuasive power of the Human Rights Committee's decisions.

What role do NGOs play in human rights advocacy?

They collaborate on human rights and humanitarian work with governments and intergovernmental organizations.

What is the 'name and shame' procedure used by NGOs?

It involves exposing human rights abuses to ensure greater government compliance.

What is Amnesty International known for?

Having 7 million global members and focusing on human rights issues, including opposing Australia's asylum seeker policies.

What significant action did Amnesty International pressure the UN to adopt in 2009?

A moratorium on the death penalty.

What does Human Rights Watch do?

Investigates and reports human rights abuses globally, advocating for vulnerable groups.

How does Human Rights Watch maintain its independence?

By refusing government funding.

What is the role of media in human rights advocacy?

To establish scrutiny around government actions and apply pressure through naming and shaming.

What does Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights state?

It emphasizes the role of a free and impartial media and people's right to information.

What are some limitations faced by media in reporting on human rights issues?

Legal power limitations and restricted access to certain conflicts, such as censorship in Syria.

What contemporary issue illustrates the promotion and/or enforcement of human rights?

The incorporation of human rights into domestic law.