United Nations
Specific Instruments
  General Instruments
  Articles
  Websites
  Selected Case Law
  Case Law Websites
  Reports
  Books
  Periodicals
  Human Rigths Actors
United Nations (Universal System)
     
Specific Instruments
Statute of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Date of adoption: 14/12/1950 Entry into force: -
System of protection: Universal
Protocol Instituting a Conciliation and Good Offices Commission to be responsible for Seeking a Settlement of any Disputes which may arise between States Parties to the Convention against Discrimination in Education
Date of adoption: 18/12/1962 Entry into force: 24/10/1968
System of protection: Universal
Limburg Principles on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (The)
Date of adoption: 6/6/1986 Entry into force: -
System of protection: Other
Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty
Date of adoption: 15/12/1989 Entry into force: 11/7/1991
System of protection: Universal
Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Date of adoption: 16/12/1966 Entry into force: 23/3/1976
System of protection: Universal
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Date of adoption: 6/10/1999 Entry into force: 22/12/2000
System of protection: Universal
Declaration on the Protection of Human Rights and the Principle of Non-Intervention in Internal Affairs of States
Date of adoption: 13/9/1989 Entry into force: -
System of protection: Universal
International Convention for the suppression of the finance of terrorism
Date of adoption: 9/12/1999 Entry into force: 10/1/2000
System of protection: Universal
     
General Instruments
Charter of the United Nations
Date of adoption: 26/6/1945 Entry into force: 24/10/1945
System of protection: Universal
Proclamation of Teheran
Date of adoption: 13/5/1968 Entry into force: -
System of protection: Universal
Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action
Date of adoption: 25/6/1993 Entry into force: -
System of protection: Universal
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Date of adoption: 16/12/1966 Entry into force: 23/3/1976
System of protection: Universal
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
Date of adoption: 16/12/1966 Entry into force: 3/1/1976
System of protection: Universal
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
Date of adoption: 10/12/1948 Entry into force: -
System of protection: Universal
     
Articles
Regionalism v. Universalism
Christoph SCHREUER
Latest update: 29/10/2002 First published: 1995
Reference: European Journal of International Law, 6 (3) 1995, pp. 477 - 499
"Regionalist features have emerged both inside and outside the United Nations. Internal regionalization has occurred through the composition, structure and decision-making processes of the United Nations"(...)
     
Languages: English
Bayefsky.com was designed for the purpose of enhancing the implementation of the human rights legal standards of the United Nations. The information provided herein encompasses a range of data concerning the application of the UN human rights treaty.
Languages: English Greek
Research, study, defense, protection and promotion of the generally recognized fundamental human rights and freedoms - List of publications - Events - News on human rights - Reports -Jurisprudence - Legislation
Languages: English French Spanish
A very good introduction to the universal system of human rights protection: illustrated history, presentation of basic legal instruments and protection mechanisms. Tools for education: vocabulary, tests, bibliography.
Languages: English
Bayefsky.com was designed for the purpose of enhancing the implementation of the human rights legal standards of the UN. The information provided herein encompasses a range of data concerning the application of the UN human rights treaty system.
Languages: English French Spanish
This official UNHCHR site is exceptional in that it presents all the activities and official documents of the UN organs responsible for human rights. The organization of documents both by organ and by issue facilitates research.
Languages: English
The primary goal of this site is to compile news articles and commentaries that address issues of human rights from news sources throughout the world. People and organizations (human rights actors) - Discussions - links to web sites.
Languages: Arabic Chinese English French Russian Spanish
The UN's official human rights portal, this site itself carries little interest, but it is useful for its links to other human-rights-related UN sites, official texts, general information and research guide.
Languages: English French
Website of the EFA movement - Much info about EFA and the Dakar Framework of Action - Assessments - Upcoming events - Reference materials.
     
Selected Case Law
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Case Law Websites
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Reports
Report of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions - Report of the Special Rapporteur
Asma Jahangir (Rapporteuse spéciale de la Commission des droits de l'homme de l'ONU / Special Rapporteur of the UN Commission on Human Rights) Date: 9/1/2002
Reference: Distr. GENERAL, E/CN.4/2002/74, 9 January 2002
Source: United Nations Commission on Human Rights
This report covers information received and communications sent by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions in the period from 11 December 2000 to 1 December 2001. The Special Rapporteur's report describes action taken in regard to various forms of violations of the right to life. It also discusses the issue of capital punishment and makes reference to death penalty cases in which the Special Rapporteur has intervened. The Special Rapporteur also discusses the situation of a number of specific categories of victims, who are particularly vulnerable or have been directly targeted for extrajudicial execution. Addendum 1 to the report contains the Special Rapporteur's report on her mission to Turkey from 19 February to 1 March 2001. The visit was mainly aimed at allowing the Special Rapporteur to investigate in situ allegations of violations of the right to life.
OHCHR : The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
OHCHR / HCDHNU Date: 2002
Reference: OHCHR brochure, 2002
Source: OHCHR
This booklet introduces the OHCHR and describes its role in the UN human rights programme, which works to promote and defend the human rights of everyone all over the world. The High Commissioner's role is to keep that vision to the forefront.
Le système de protection des droits de l'homme des Nations Unies
Université d'été des droits de l'homme et Association Aidh Date: 2001
Reference: Université d'été des droits de l'homme et Association Aidh, Genève, 2001
Source: Université d'été des droits de l'homme et Association Aidh
A schematic and interactive brochure, represents the structure of the main UN organs, mechanisms of functioning, individual complaints procedure, interventions of NGOs, basic rights and freedoms. Legal instruments.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
HCNUDH / OHCHR Date: 12/1997
Reference: Promotional Materials
Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Universal Declaration of Human Rights: the history of drafting and adopting the Declaration - International mobilization in favour of the Declaration: Government commitment - Public awareness campaign - The United Nations - Challenges.
Manual on Human Rights Reporting
HCDH / OHCHR Date: 1997
Reference: Professional Training Series, Training Package on Human Rights Treaty Reporting (Rev.1)
Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The main purpose of this manual is to serve as a practical tool for government officials in the preparation and submission of reports required under the United Nations' international human rights treaties.
Advisory Services and Technical Cooperation
Haut Commissariat des Nations Unis aux droits de l'homme Date: 8/1996
Reference: Fact Sheet No.3 (Rev.1)
Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The human rights Fact Sheet Series is published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.
International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights
HCDH / OHCHR Date: 7/1991
Reference: Fact Sheet No. 13
Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The human rights Fact Sheet Series is published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
HCDH / OHCHR Date: 7/1991
Reference: Fact Sheet No. 16 (Rev.1)
Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The human rights Fact Sheet Series is published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.
Complaint Procedures
HCDH / OHCHR Date: inconnue
Reference: Fact Sheet No.7/Rev.1
Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The human rights Fact Sheet Series is published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.
The Committee against Torture
HCDH / OHCHR Date: inconnue
Reference: Fact Sheet No. 17
Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The human rights Fact Sheet Series is published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.
Seventeen Frequently Asked Questions about United Nations Special Rapporteurs
HCDH / OHCHR Date: inconnue
Reference: Fact Sheet No. 27
Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The human rights Fact Sheet Series is published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.
Human Rights - A Basic Handbook for UN Staff
HCDH / OHCHR Date: inconnue
Reference: Professional Training Series - Training Package on Human Rights Treaty Reporting (Rev.1)
Source: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
This handbook has been developed to assist United Nations colleagues understand and appreciate the human rights system within the context of the UN. - An overview of human rights instruments and developments; the role of UN organs...
     
Books
Droit international et européen des droits de l'homme
Frédéric SUDRE
Reference: Paris, P.U.F., 2000
Languages: French
Good introductory book offering a comparative view of the different international regimes of protection of fundamental rights.
The Monopolization of International Criminal Law in the United Nations. A Jurisprudential Approach
Farhad MALEKIAN
Reference: Stockholm, Almqvist & Wiksell International/Uppsala Universit, 1995
Languages: English
The author compiles an impressive number of cases which demonstrate that the Security Council actually adjudicates important cases of international criminal law. He laments the “legal and political defects in the Charter and practice” of the UN.
The Human Rights Committee
Dominic MCGOLDRICK
Reference: Oxford, Clarendon Paperbacks, 1994
Languages: English
The HRC's role in the development of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Global Governance, Economy and Law
Ozay MEHMET - Errol MENDES
Reference: New York - London, Routledge Studies in International Law, Routledge, 2003
Languages: English
Drawing on history, political science, law and economics, the authors examine institutions such as the UN, the WTO, the IMF, the World Bank and also the global private sector and reveal their inability to promote and protect human rights.
L'ONU contre les droits de l'homme
Jean-Claude BUHRER - Claude LEVENSON
Reference: Paris, Mille et une nuits, 2003
Languages: French
Malfunctioning of the Human Rights Commission of the UN - The UN against Human Rights.
U.N. Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - CCPR Commentary
Manfred NOWAK
Reference: Kehl - Stasbourg - Arlington, NP Engel Publisher, 1993
Languages: English
Commentary of the UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Code de droit international des droits de l'homme
Olivier DE SCHUTTER - Françoise TULKENS - Sébastien VAN DROOGHENBROECK
Reference: Bruxelles, Bruylant, 2003
Languages: French
2nd edition (updated to May 1st, 2003) of this collection of the main international instruments (as well universal as regional) regarding the protection of fundamental human rights.
The U.N. Commission on Human Rights, its Sub-Commission, and Related Procedures: An Orientation Manual
David Weissbrodt & Penny Parker Ed.
Reference: Minnesota, Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, 1992
Languages: English
Manual designed for use by first-time partipants and observers at the proceedings of the Commission on Human Rights, its Sub-Commission, and related bodies.
Guide to International Human Rights Practice
Hurst Hannum Ed.
Reference: Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1992
Languages: English
H. Hannum and the contributors to this volume describe briefly the basic regimes and procedures of international human rights law: UN - Regional systems.
Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples: A Handbook on the UN System
International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs Ed.
Reference: -, http://www.iwgia.org, International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, 1999
Languages: English French Spanish
Indigenous Human Rights - International mechanisms - Possibilities and limitations of UN action.
Les Nations Unies et le droit international humanitaire / The United Nations and international humanitarian law, Actes du Colloque international à l'occasion du cinquantième anniversaire de l'ONU
L. Condorelli, A.-M. La Rosa, S. Scherrer Ed.
Reference: Paris, Pedone, 1996
Languages: English French
A mix of bilingual (French and English) materials, consisting of formal diplomatic speeches by high-level public officials, 15 thought-provoking academic papers by eminent scholars and practitioners, debates among the participants etc.
Recueil juridique des droits de l'homme en Afrique (1996-2000)
Paul Tavernier Ed. - Paul TAVERNIER
Reference: Bruxelles, CREDHO & human rights law in Africa Series, Bruylant, 2002
Languages: English French
I. United Nations and human rights in Africa : a report -- II. Regional protection : Organization of African Unity (a report), European Union, Francophonie -- III. National protection (per country) -- Treaties, rafications and a large bibliography
Preferred Futures for the United Nations
Saul Mendlovitz, Burns H. Weston Ed.
Reference: New York, Transnational Publishers, 1995
Languages: English
As the sole intergovernmental institution with global jurisdiction authorized to address the entire human rights agenda, the UN has the potential, according to the authors, to be the institutional centrepiece of a system of humane global governance.
     
Periodicals
Actualité et Droit International
Reference:
Contact: despretz@ridi.org http://www.ridi.org/adi/
Languages: French
E-journal of international news legal analysis. Articles (archive from 1998, quick search), chronicles and cases, discussions, international news, announcements. Useful links.
Droits Fondamentaux
Reference: Paris,
Contact: despretz@toile.org http://www.droits-fondamentaux.org/
Languages: French
First electronic journal in French on Fundamental Rights.
     
Human Rights Actors
Comité des droits économiques, sociaux et culturels (CESCR)
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/6/cescr.htm Type:United Nations System
Treaty body created in 1985 by the ECOSOC (not by the ICESCR itself). Convenes twice a year to monitor the implementation of the Covenant by States parties, assist them in fulfilling their obligations. Writes General Comments on Covenant rights.
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
http://www.un.org/documents/ecosoc.htm Type:United Nations System
Coordinates the economic, social, and related work of the UN. Promotes: (a) higher standards of living ; (b) solutions of international economic, social, health, and related problems; and (c) universal respect for, and observance of, human rights...
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
http://www.fao.org/ Type:United Nations System
Mandate: to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living, to improve agricultural productivity, and to better the condition of rural populations. Works against poverty and hunger by promoting agricultural development, improved nutrition, etc.
Human Rights Committee (HRC)
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/6/hrc.htm Type:United Nations System
Established to monitor the implementation of the ICCPR and its Protocols in the territory of States parties.
Human Rights Institute at Columbia Law School (HRI)
http://www.law.columbia.edu/hri/ Type:Research / Education
Supports legal education for the emerging human rights profession - Assists in "professionalizing" the human rights movement - Focus on transitional justice - Examines US constitutional rights and international rights, and how the two work together.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
http://www.icj-cij.org/ Type:United Nations System
Principal judicial organ of the UN. Dual role: to settle in accordance with international law the legal disputes submitted to it by States, and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorised international organs.
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR)
http://www.ictr.org/ Type:United Nations System
Established for the prosecution of persons responsible for genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the territory of Rwanda between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 1994. UNSC resolution 955 of 8/11/1994.
International Labor Organization (ILO)
http://www.ilo.org/ Type:United Nations System
UN specialized agency which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights. Formulates international labour standards in the form of Conventions and Recommendations.
Preparatory Commission for the International Criminal Court (PrepComm)
http://www.un.org/law/icc/prepcomm/prepfra.htm Type:United Nations System
Established in accordance with resolution F adopted by the United Nations Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Establishment of an International Criminal Court on 17 July 1998.
Representative of the Secretary-General on internally displaced persons ()
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/7/b/midp.htm Type:United Nations System
Four main areas of work: the development of a normative framework; the development of an effective institutional framework at the international, regional and national levels; country missions; and on-going research into specific issues of concern.
Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance ()
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/7/b/mrad.htm Type:United Nations System
Mandate established in 1993...
Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on freedom of religion or belief ()
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/7/b/mrei.htm Type:United Nations System
Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on freedom of religion or belief
Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the human rights of migrants ()
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/7/b/mmig.htm Type:United Nations System
Mandate established in 1999, by E/CN.4/RES/1999/44 of 26 April 1999.
Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the independence of judges and lawyers ()
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/7/b/mijl.htm Type:United Nations System
Inquires into any substantial allegations and reports his or her conclusions thereon; identifies and records attacks on the independence of the judiciary, lawyers and court officials; studies important and topical questions of principle.
Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression ()
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/7/b/mfro.htm Type:United Nations System
Mandate established in 1993...
Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people ()
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/7/b/mindp.htm Type:United Nations System
Gathers, requests, receives and exchanges information; formulates recommendations and proposals on appropriate measures and activities to prevent and remedy violations of the human rights of indigenous people; Works closely with other UN bodies.
Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on use of mercenaries as a means of impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination ()
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/7/b/mmer.htm Type:United Nations System
mandate established in 1987...
Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on violence against women, its causes and consequences ()
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/7/b/mwom.htm Type:United Nations System
Seeks and receives information on violence against women, its causes and its consequences; Recommends measures, ways and means, to eliminate violence against women and its causes; Works closely with other UN human rights bodies.
Special Rapporteur on the right to food ()
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/7/b/mfood.htm Type:United Nations System
Seeks, receives and responds to information on all aspects of the realization of the right to food - Establishes cooperation with Governments, intergovernmental organisations and NGOs - Identifies emerging issues related to the right to food.
Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders ()
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/7/b/mdef.htm Type:United Nations System
Mandated to report on the situation of human rights defenders in all parts of the world and on possible means to enhance their protection in full compliance with the Declaration.
UN Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW)
http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/ Type:United Nations System
The Division advocates the improvement of the status of women of the world and the achievement of their equality with men. It aims to ensure the participation of women as equal partners with men in all aspects of human endeavour...
UN Secretary General (UNSG)
http://www.un.org/News/ossg/sg/index.shtml Type:United Nations System
"Equal parts diplomat and advocate, civil servant and CEO, the Secretary-General is a symbol of United Nations ideals and a spokesman for the interests of the world's peoples, in particular the poor and vulnerable among them."
UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights ()
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/2/sc.htm Type:United Nations System
Main subsidiary body of the Commission on Human Rights. Undertakes studies, makes recommendations to the Commission concerning the prevention of discrimination, performs any other functions entrusted to it by the Council or the Commission.
UNGA Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) ()
http://www.un.org/ga/56/third/ Type:United Nations System
The UN General Assembly allocates most questions to its six Main Committees. Like the others, the Third Committee considers questions and submits draft resolutions to the plenary Assembly.
United Nations Division for Sustainable Development (DSD)
http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/ Type:United Nations System
Dedicated to improving the well being of present and future generations through the promotion of sustainable development - Provide leadership and expertise on the promotion of sustainable development...
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
http://www.unesco.org Type:United Nations System
The main objective of UNESCO is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication in order to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law and HR.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR)
http://www.unhchr.ch Type:United Nations System
Assumes principal responsibility for the human rights activities of the UN, including the tasks of streamlining the human rights machinery throughout the United Nations system and supervising the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Office of the (UNHCR)
http://www.unhcr.ch/ Type:United Nations System
A humanitarian, non-political organization aiming to protect refugees and to help them restart their lives in a normal environment. Promotes international refugee agreements - Monitors government compliance with international refugee law.
United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
http://www.un.org/Docs/scinfo.htm Type:United Nations System
Has primary responsibility under the UN Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security. Issues cease-fire directives - Sends UN peace-keeping forces - Decides on enforcement measures, economic sanctions, collective military actions.