Today, the world recognizes Human Rights Day.
Codified in one of the world’s most enduring documents, human rights are the armor and opportunity for every individual on the planet – regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or any other status. And it’s not just aspirational; it’s international law.
So who created these codes of human conduct?
We’re here to break down the fundamentals of human rights and how the U.S. is working through the United Nations to guarantee that on paper and on the ground, all are created equal.
The Role of International Bodies
International entities – most importantly the United Nations – play a pivotal role in the development and enforcement of human rights standards. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the UN in 1948, stands as one of the most influential documents in the history of human rights. It provides a global framework for the rights and freedoms every person should enjoy, reflecting a consensus among diverse cultures and nations. Although not legally binding, the UDHR has shaped international law, inspiring treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). These agreements establish legally enforceable obligations for states to uphold specific human rights standards and a basis on which human rights defenders can pursue justice.
The UN also works through agencies like the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which monitors violations, provides recommendations and holds governments accountable.
“Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free.”
Dalai Lama
Member States and State Sovereignty
While international organizations set universal standards, national governments retain authority over the recognition and enforcement of rights within their borders. Constitutions and legal systems often reflect these rights, though their alignment with international norms varies. For instance, the U.S. Bill of Rights protects freedoms like speech and assembly – and, in fact, shaped much of the language of the UDHR under the guidance of Eleanor Roosevelt.
Gaps between international standards and national laws can lead to selective adherence to treaties, with governments interpreting obligations through the lens of domestic priorities. This divergence often results in human rights violations, such as censorship, political oppression or denial of basic freedoms. Tensions between universalism and local contexts are particularly evident in areas like women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, where some countries’ laws conflict with international progress.
Civil Society and the Role of Advocacy
Grassroots movements and advocacy groups have historically been at the forefront of redefining and expanding human rights. From the U.S. civil rights movement (notably influenced by efforts at the UN to safeguard human rights) to feminist and LGBTQ+ advocacy, these efforts have advanced equality and inclusion, often filling gaps left by governments or international institutions. One such example was the movement to recognize the fundamental human right to a healthy environment. Seeing the need for increased international legal protections, environmental groups began to push for the designation at the local, national and international levels. These efforts resulted in official declarations of the right to a healthy environment by the UN Human Rights Council and UN General Assembly in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
A Path Forward
There’s no question that the definition and universality of human rights can get mired in debates of local context and global standards. But what does remain certain is that America’s persistent involvement in the UN has the power to propel – and protect – human rights as a focal point of American engagement.
Because today – and every day – is a moment to advocate for even greater pursuit of human rights.
