WILPF, Human Rights, and the UN

Human Rights at the UN: A Primer

The International Bill of Human Rights is comprised of: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the International Covenants (1966) , the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and their two Optional Protocols.

As international human rights law is governed by these legal texts, public knowledge of them is an important element to grassroots human rights movements. By understanding how these tools work, local and national advocates can better equip themselves to influence government policy. WILPF engages with these bodies, by monitoring and participating in their discussions, as a means to support the work of WILPF’s national sections.

UN bodies that monitor human rights law are divided into 2 categories: treaty bodies and charter bodies. Charter bodies, such as the Human Rights Council (including Special Procedures and the Universal Periodic Review), are based on the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration, and apply to all UN member states. The provisions in the UN Charter, however, are not legally binding, making it difficult to ensure accountability with these instruments.

Human rights treaties are legally binding instruments that states sign and ratify according to their own volition. Once a state ratifies a treaty are then responsible for incorporating them into their national legislation. Their implementation is reviewed by their respective Committees, making it easier to hold governments responsible for violating these rights. Read more from Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), or visit our treaty body page.

WILPF's Activities

WILPF International Secretariat's Human Rights Program is primarily active with the Human Rights Council, through monitoring thematic reports of special procedures mandate holders, delivering statements to the Council, and organizing side events in conjunction with other NGOs.

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