United Nations General Assembly
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
Adopted on: December 10, 1948
- United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 217 A (III)
- UN General Assembly Session: 3rd Session (held in Paris, France)
Significance:
- The UDHR consists of 30 articles that outline fundamental human rights and freedoms applicable to all individuals.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Adopted on: December 16, 1966
- UN General Assembly Resolution 2200A (XXI)
- UN General Assembly Session: 21st Session | Came into Force in March 23, 1976
Significance:
- The ICCPR is a legally binding treaty with 53 articles.
- Expands on civil and political rights, including freedom of speech, religion, and fair trial rights.
Key UN General Assembly Treaties
ICESCR, 1966
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
- Adoption: 16 December 1966
- UN General Assembly Session: 21st Session - Resolution 2200A (XXI)
- Entry into Force: 3 January 1976
Key Focus: Guarantees economic/social rights (e.g., education, healthcare).
CEDAW, 1979
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
- Adoption: 18 December 1979
- UN General Assembly Session: 34th Session - Resolution 34/180
- Entry into Force: 3 September 1981.
Key Focus: Promotes gender equality and women’s rights.
CERD, 1965
Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- Adoption: 21 December 1965
- UN General Assembly Session: 20th Session - Resolution 2106 (XX)
- Entry into Force: 4 January 1969
Key Focus: Prohibits racial discrimination and promotes equality
CAT, 1984
Convention Against Torture
- Adoption: 10 December 1984
- UN General Assembly Session: 39th Session - Resolution 39/46
- Entry into Force: 26 June 1987
Key Focus: Prohibits torture and inhuman treatment.
CRC, 1989
Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Adoption: 2 September 1990
- UN General Assembly Session: 44th Session - Resolution 44/25
- Entry into Force: 2 September 1990
Key Focus: Safeguards children’s rights (e.g., education, protection from exploitation).
CRPD, 2006
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- Adoption: 13 December 2006
- UN General Assembly Session: 61st Session - Resolution 61/106
- Entry into Force: 3 May 2008
Key Focus: Ensures equality and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
ATT, 2013
Arms Trade Treaty
- Adoption: April 2, 2013
- UNGA Session: 67th Session - Resolution: 67/234 B
- Entry into Force: December 24, 2014
Key Focus: First global treaty to control the arms trade and reduce human suffering caused by weapons.
ICRMW, 1990
International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers
- Adoption: 18 December 1990
- UNGA Session: 45th Session
- Resolution: 45/158
- Entry into Force: July 1, 2003
Key Focus: Provides a legal framework for the fair treatment of migrants.