Human Rights
the rights, possessed by all individuals by virtue of being human, regardless of their status as citizens of particular states or members of a group or organization
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UHDR)
A declaration, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, that is defined as a “common standard of achievement for all peoples” and forms the foundation of modern human rights law.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
The agreement completed in 1966, and in force from 1976, that details the basic civil and political rights of individuals and others
International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
The agreement completed in 1966, and in force from 1976, that specifies the basic economic, social, and cultural rights of individuals and nations
International Bill of Rights
the UHDR, ICCPE, and ICESCR together form the core of the international human rights regime
Nonderogable rights
rights that cannot be suspended for any reason, including cases of social or public emergency
Prisoners of conscience
individuals imprisoned solely for the peaceful expression of their beliefs. The term was coined by the human rights organization amnesty international.
Individual petition
a right that permits individuals to petition appropriate international legal bodies directly if they believe a state has violated their rights
International Criminal Court (ICC)
a court of last resorts for human right cases that poses jurisdiction only if the accused is a national of a state party, the crime took place on the territory of a state party, or the UN Security Council has referred the case to the prosecutor
