human rights: an overview
International human rights law began as a response to the horrors of war, in particular World War II, although the Geneva Conventions had begun earlier. The formation of the United Nations gave human rights international legitimacy, particularly because many nations signed the United Nations Charter, which specifically mentions human rights (Preamble, Chapter I). Since the formation of the United Nations, it has passed many agreements and resolutions binding the signatories to respect human rights. Additionally, it has set up tribunals to charge those suspected of egregious violations of human rights. Furthermore, several other organizations, created by various treaties, have come into existence. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, for example, ensures that signatories of the American Convention on Human Rights abide by that treaty. The European Convention on Human Rights binds members of the Council of Europe to the human rights obligations set forth in it. The Convention specifically mentions the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and charges all signatories with upholding the basic principles of the document. Both the European and American Conventions on human rights have international tribunals in which to bring claims of violations of human rights. Additionally, several African nations have signed the African Charter on Human and People's Rights. Many nations have ratified international human rights instruments put forward by the United Nations. Thus, many human rights instruments, tribunals, and declarations have been created since World War II, some drawing inspiration for early human rights proclamations, such as the Universal Declaration. Human rights continues to be a growing body of international law.
