Human rights laws and treaties

Question 1

UN roles and criticisms

Answer 1

• Articulates HR standards,
  Develops treaties
• Monitors HR conditions
  Reports abuses
  Condemns perpetrators

Criticisms:
* Slow to respond
* Cannot enforce standards/resolutions

Question 2

International Courts roles and criticisms

Answer 2

roles:
* ICJ- tries countries
* Tribunals- try individuals
* ICC- try individuals

Challenges:
* Refusal to join from powerful countries
* Lacks legitimacy- cases come from less powerful countries
* May shatter chance for peace

Support:
* Hold governments accountable
* Threat of trial may deter violations
* Allows those who have no voice a chance for justice.

Question 3

NGOs roles and criticisms

Answer 3

roles:
* Grassroots of international
* Educate general public/ provide support and take legal action
* Impartial

Critics:
* International ngos don’t take enough local input

Question 4

Social Movements roles and criticisms

Answer 4

role:
* Pressure government to modify behavior
* Address wide range of issues
* Can draw international attentions

Challenges:
* Can be met with brutality
* Public apathy

Question 5

Why is it important to arrange laws at a National Level?

Answer 5

Protects human rights: countries establish clear legal frameworks for protecting the rights of their citizens and preventing violations

Promotes accountability: makes governments accountable for respecting and protecting human rights within their jurisdiction. Help hold governments accountable for their actions and improve transparency and accountability

Provides a legal framework for addressing violations:
individuals and groups have the ability to challenge violations and seek justice through the courts. Provides a legal framework for addressing human rights abuses and can help ensure that those responsible for violations are held accountable.

Increases awareness: increase awareness of human rights among citizens and government officials, making it more likely that they will be respected and upheld.

Supports international obligations: countries can demonstrate their commitment to international human rights standards and help to ensure that human rights are respected and protected

Question 6

What is a constitution?

Answer 6

Outlines the powers of the state and the procedures that will determine how the government is formed and how it functions.

are laws, and as such are very legalistic in their language.

meant to be the supreme law of a state and that no one, even the government, is allowed to break its provisions.