International human rights agreements And treaties Flashcards
Name 8 of the human rights listed in the UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights
We are all born free and equal.
Right to life.
We are all equal before the law.
We are always innocent until proven guilty.
Freedom of expression.
Right to education.
Right to democracy.
Rights to a job, a fair wage and a membership of a trade union.
What is the UDHR
The universal declaration of human rights
Published in 1948
Made up of 30 elements
What is the ECHR
The European convention on human rights and fundamental freedoms
Adopted in 1950, came into force 1953
The convention and the European court of human rights are part of the council of Europe
Convention ensured rights stated in UDHR came into effect in European countries, establishing an international court.
The court is in Strasbourg, France and is made up of judges from each of the member countries.
Name 5 articles from the ECHR
Prohibition of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment.
Prohibition of slavery and forced labour.
Right to a fair trial.
No punishment without law.
Freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
What is the UNCRC
The UN convention on the rights of the child
Signed 1990
54 articles
UK law 1992
Name two rights of the child
The right to be protected from abuse or exploitation.
The right to having their privacy protected.
What does the IHL aim to do
International humanitarian law
Protect people who are not involved or are no longer involved in hostilities for example the sick and wounded, prisoners and civilians.
Set out the rights and obligations of those involved in the armed conflict.
Helped by the Geneva Conventions and The Hague convention.
What was the Geneva convention?
Established in 1864 to help those involved and wounded in battle of Solferino.
Extended in 1906 and 1929 to account for poison gas.
Extended in 1949 to include protection for civilians after WW2.
Extended in 1977 and 2005 to account for landmines and biological weapons and to ensure the protection of children in armed conflicts.
The international Red Cross is seen as the guardian of the convention.
What was The Hague convention?
Relates to the conduct of war and dates form 1899.
Amended in 1907.
Bases for the Nuremberg war trials after WW2
1980, a hague convention agreed relating to child trafficking and abduction.
IHL states what about protecting civilians
-must be treated humanely in all circumstances
-protected against all forms of violence and degrading treatments including murder and torture, if arrested they must get a fair trial
-those trying to help them should be given protection (eg medical units)
-prioritise women and children, aged and sick, highly vulnerable, refugees. prohibits forced movement by intimidation violence or starvation.
-prevent families being separated, take action to re establish family contact.
What is the international criminal court (ICC)
-after WW2, allies set up the Nuremberg and Tokyo war trials, individuals and organisations were charged with war crimes, crimes against peace and crimes against humanity.
-1990s, international criminal tribunals for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
-1998, 120 countries signed the Rome statute, establishing a permanent ICC
-court sits at The Hague in the Netherlands
-ICC has opened a number of investigations regarding alleged abuses in places such as Uganda, Sudan, Kenya and Libya
How were war crimes defined by the ICC
wilful killing, torture, wilful causing great suffering, extensive destruction of property, forcing prisoners of war to serve in hostile forces, not offering POWs a right to a trial, unlawful deportation and taking hostages.
What is the term of ‘distinction’ based on the Geneva conventions
People in a fight must know the difference between regular people and fighters, and also between regular building and military targets
What is the term of ‘non international armed conflict’ based on the Geneva conventions
Armed conflict can happen when a country fights against a group of people who are not a part of a government, or when diff entry groups of non government fighters are battling each other
What is the term of ‘humane treatment’ based on the Geneva conventions
Everyone should be treated with kindness and respect and no one should be treated unfairly because of who they are
What is the term of ‘international armed conflict ’ based on the Geneva conventions
Armed conflict is when one or more countries use force against another country, no matter how intense the fighting is
What is the term of ‘proportionality’ based on the Geneva conventions
You’re not allowed to attack if it could hurt people or damage property too much compared to the military advantage you can expect to gain
What is the term of ‘military necessity ’ based on the Geneva conventions
Solders should only do what needed or achieve a valid military goal, for example they should only target the facilities that, if destroyed, will make the other side surrender quickly
