Chapter 8 – Human Rights

Physical Integrity Rights

Rights that protect individuals from torture, inhumane treatment, and other forms of physical harm.

Civil and Political Rights

Rights that ensure individuals can participate in civil and political life without discrimination or repression.

Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

Rights related to the economy, social inequality, and cultural rights, including health care and education.

Universalism

The concept that certain moral or legal principles apply universally to all humans, regardless of culture.

Relativism

The belief that norms and values are culture-specific and may vary according to local traditions.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

A key human rights document asserting that all individuals are entitled to rights that do not vary with social construct.

Genocide Convention

A treaty defining genocide and outlining the obligations of states to prevent and punish acts of genocide.

Definition of Genocide

Acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

A treaty focusing on fundamental freedoms like expression, assembly, and the right to a fair trial.

Special Treaty Body

International institutions that monitor compliance with treaties and assess individual petitions on rights violations.

International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

A treaty emphasizing labor rights and social assistance programs, ensuring rights to health care and housing.

European Court of Human Rights

A court that oversees human rights cases in Europe, known for being a pre-eminent system of international human rights protection.

Torture

The intentional infliction of severe physical or mental pain for various purposes, including punishment or coercion.

Human Trafficking

The act of illegally transporting individuals for the purpose of exploitation, often involving severe human rights violations.

Freedom of Expression

The right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds through various means.

Right to Religion

The right to choose, practice, and express one's religion individually or collectively.

Criminal Justice Rights

Rights that protect individuals during criminal proceedings, including the right to a fair trial.

International Labor Organization (ILO)

An agency that sets international labor standards and promotes rights at work, social justice, and decent working conditions.

Right to Social Assistance

The right to receive support in cases of accidents, illness, and unemployment.

Right to Social Security

The right to receive financial support and protection from economic risks.

Cultural Rights

Rights that protect the identities and practices of marginalized groups, including the expression of cultural identity.

Rights to Labor

Rights concerning fair wages, safe working conditions, and freedom of association for workers.

Individual Rights

Rights inherent to each person, including freedom of expression and personal autonomy.

Regional Conventions and Courts

Human rights treaties and judicial bodies specific to particular geographic regions, enhancing enforcement.

Rights Under Social Construct

The idea that the significance and application of rights vary by cultural and social contexts.

Binding Rulings

Decisions made by regional human rights bodies that must be followed by member states.

Intent in Torture Definition

The necessity of intent to cause severe pain in the definition of torture as per the CAT.