Home > Human Rights > Human Rights and the Law

Human Rights and the Law

By: Beth Morrisey MLIS - Updated: 18 Nov 2014 | comments*Discuss
 
Human Rights basic Rights human

Today, human rights are believed to be universal, or due to everyone regardless of age, race, sex, religion, location, or any other factor. This means that around the world it is agreed that by virtue of being human, every human being is due the rights to, among other things, life, free speech, freedom of religion/worship, freedom from torture or inhumane treatment, education and work, an adequate standard of living and housing, fair trials and the ability to participate in social, cultural and political activities. These rights are enshrined in a variety of international treaties which form the basis of international human rights law, and both national and international courts exist to interpret cases relating to these laws.

Human Rights and International Treaties

Human rights are protected by a variety of international. The foundation of most international human rights law is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which was passed unanimously by the United Nations in December, 1948. This document was reaffirmed, again unanimously, at the Vienna World Conference on Human Rights in 1993. In addition to the UDHR, the United Nations also works a treaty system on human rights which includes seven other treaties: the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (1969), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1976), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1976), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1981), the Convention Against Torture, and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1987), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990), and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (2003). In Europe, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) was adopted by the Council of Europe in 1950.

Human Rights and National Laws

Most countries also have specific laws which protect the human rights of its citizens or indeed any person resident in that country. Usually these laws also guide the country's foreign policy, or the way in which the country relates to others.

In the United Kingdom, the Human Rights Act of 1998 was adopted to reinforce the UK's commitment to human rights and is in force in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Scotland Act 1998 guarantees that the Scottish Executive and Scottish Parliament can not do anything contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also maintains that human rights lie at the very heart of UK foreign policy and that the government actively tries to promote freedom, justice and the opportunity to thrive both at home and abroad.

Human Rights and the Courts

In countries which have specific human rights legislation, supposed breaches of this legislation can be taken to the national courts as stipulated in the country's own laws. In the United Kingdom, for example, the Human Rights Act of 1998 makes it possible for cases concerning human rights to be heard in the UK.

Larger courts dedicated to only human rights issues also exist. The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, for example, hears cases from countries which ratified the European Convention on Human Rights. The International Criminal Court, which is governed by the Rome Statute signed by 105 countries, also exists as a court of last resort to try those accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The International Criminal Court will not, however, hear cases that are being or have been investigated and/or prosecuted in an individual country unless it is evident that those proceedings were not sincere and genuine.

Human rights are accepted as universal, and a variety of international treaties form the basis of international human rights law. Specific courts exist to interpret this law, some even reserved for the most heinous allegations of breaches of human rights. Together these treaties, national laws and courts work to enforce and uphold the rights of every human being.

Professional Low Cost Website

Whether you are a small business, freelancer or entrepeneur, a stunning website doesn't have to break the bank. For just £99 we will design a site that helps you to stand out online. To find our more get in touch here..

You might also like...
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
@Nic - it can get complicated regarding funding and of course it does have its limits. I have directed you to the NUS website that broaches the question: 'I’ve undertaken a higher education course before – can I get funding again?' Link here . It also presents a series of other questions which may give you an answer.
AboutEqualOpportunities - 19-Nov-14 @ 1:40 PM
I was hoping to go to university to gain a career to provide a better future for my young family, however i have been told i am not entitled tuition fee loans to pay the £9,000 a year fees and that i would have to find the full £27,000 myself to do the course. The reason they have said this is that i have previously studied adult nursing for almost three years, however due to personal circumstances i wasn't going to pass my final module, so i accepted an interim award of a dip he in health and social studies, i was told i could use the credits i have to go on and complete a degree in another subject, which was my plan, however i cant get the funding to do this as i have previous study at university. Although i have no degree and owe no money to student finance. This seems incredibly unfair as it is stopping me from gaining a career. Seems to me that my rights to an education is stopped. Is there anything i can do? Thank you
nic - 18-Nov-14 @ 8:10 PM
i wish to know if i can be refused a community care grant because i am a single male
sunshine - 9-Mar-13 @ 6:50 PM
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice...
Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Validate:
Enter word:
Topics