International human rights instruments

International human rights instruments are legally binding documents that establish the rights and freedoms that all individuals are entitled to, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, or any other characteristic. These instruments serve as the foundation for international human rights law and provide a framework for governments to ensure and protect the rights of their citizens. Here are some important international human rights instruments:

1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, the UDHR is a landmark document that sets out a comprehensive range of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
2. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966, the ICCPR is a treaty that aims to protect civil and political rights, including the rights to life, liberty, and security of person, freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, and the right to a fair trial.
3. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR): Also adopted in 1966 by the United Nations General Assembly, the ICESCR focuses on economic, social, and cultural rights, such as the right to work, the right to an adequate standard of living, the right to education, and the right to health.
4. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979, CEDAW is a treaty that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life, including political, economic, social, and cultural spheres.
5. Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC): Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989, the CRC is a treaty that sets out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of children. It provides a comprehensive framework for the protection and well-being of children.
6. Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT): Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1984, the CAT aims to prevent and eradicate torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
7. International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD): Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1965, ICERD is a treaty that prohibits racial discrimination in all its forms and promotes equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their race, color, descent, or national or ethnic origin.

These are just a few examples of the international human rights instruments that exist. There are numerous other treaties and conventions at the regional and international levels that address specific human rights issues, such as the rights of indigenous peoples, refugees, persons with disabilities, and more.