WHAT ARE THE 3 PARTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL BILL OF HUMAN RIGHTS?

The International Bill of Human Rights consists of 3 parts: 

1. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) - This document defines and amplifies the human rights and freedoms as stated in the UN Charter

2. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

3. The International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

 (Optional Protocol - allows complaints to be made by individuals on violations of their rights.)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted without objection by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, represents the opinion of the international community, but is not legally binding.

On the other hand, the Covenants, are legally binding treaties. Parties who sign these treaties are obliged to implement the rights and must submit to periodic reports of compliance to their obligation. These reports are submitted to the Human Rights Committee for review and recommendation.

However, there is no enforcement procedure if the Committee's views are not followed. Compliance rests with the State concerned. "Special Rapporteurs" have been appointed to request written information from States -concerning compliance. Reports must be submitted by each State within one year of becoming party to the Covenant and thereafter whenever the Committee so determines. Generally, States want to comply with their obligations and enhance their image in the international arena. The Human Rights Committee reports annually on its work to the UN General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council. (ECOSOC)

The United States voted for the UDHR on December 10, 1948.

The United States ratified the Covenant of Civil and Political Rights in 1992.

The United States has not ratified the Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Other Conventions

• The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (adopted in 1948 and entered into force in 1951)

• The International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (1966)

• The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (adopted in 1979, in effect in 198 1)

• Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and -The Punishment (adopted in 1984, effective 1987)

• Convention on the Rights of the Child (adopted 1989, effective 1990)

• The Convention on the Protection Of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (adopted 1990, but not ), yet in force.)