International human rights law Facts for Kids

International human rights law is a set of global rules that protect the basic human rights of everyone on Earth. These rules are based on important documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of the United Nations. They declare that all people have dignity and rights. The main goal of these laws is to prevent war and keep world peace by making sure everyone follows the rule of law.

Human Rights Laws from the United Nations
Human Rights Laws from Other Organizations
- Europe's Human Rights Protection
- Americas and Africa
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Human Rights Laws from the United Nations

The United Nations (UN) is a big organization that works for peace and cooperation. In 1948, the UN created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This document lists all the basic rights that every person should have.

To make these rights stronger, the UN later adopted two important treaties in 1966:

These two treaties, along with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are often called the "International Human Rights Bill." They explain human rights in more detail.

The United Nations has also created other important treaties to protect specific groups or stop certain harms:

The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948) helps stop genocide, which is trying to destroy a group of people.
The Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1951) protects refugees, who are people forced to leave their homes.
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965) fights against racism, which is unfair treatment based on race.
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979) works for women's rights and equality.
The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984) aims to stop torture and other cruel acts.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) protects the rights of children.
The Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (1990) protects migrant workers.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) protects the rights of people with a disability.

The UN also has the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. This office works to promote and protect human rights around the world. It was set up following the Vienna Declaration. Also, the Yogyakarta Principles for LGBT rights were approved by the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2006.

Human Rights Laws from Other Organizations

Besides the United Nations, other international groups have also created human rights laws.

Europe's Human Rights Protection

The Council of Europe adopted the European Convention on Human Rights in 1951. This convention helps make sure human rights are protected in Europe. The European Court of Human Rights was created by this convention. It helps people in member countries get their human rights protected by law.

Americas and Africa

The Organization of American States adopted the American Convention on Human Rights in 1969. Similarly, the African Union adopted the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights in 1981. These organizations also have their own Human Rights Courts. These courts help make sure the rights listed in their conventions or charters are respected.