key terms

Question 1

human rights

Answer 1

human rights are the basic freedoms and protections that belong to every single person. all humans are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms. human rights are based on dignity, equality and mutual respect regardless of your nationality

Question 2

covenants

Answer 2

agreements between two or more nation-states. a nation-state that ratifies a covenant voluntarily agrees to be bound by its terms.

Question 3

treaties

Answer 3

formalised agreements between two or more nations about a particular area of mutual interest and often used synonymously with convention, covenant, charter and protocol

Question 4

states

Answer 4

countries recognised as having legal standing under international law as they have defined territory, one government and a permanent population

Question 5

sovereignty

Answer 5

a legal concept that a government exercises full control over affairs within a geographical or territorial limit; this means it can pass laws and enforce them within this area and exists as an essentially independent legal and political body in this space as seen under s 2.1 of the Charter

Question 6

signatory treaty

Answer 6

it is a means of authentication and expresses the willingness of the signatory state to continue the treaty-making progress

Question 7

convention

Answer 7

similar to a treaty, but more on specific matters or issues, and sometimes of a less formal nature; often used synonymously with treaty, covenant, charter, protocol or statute.

Question 8

multilateral

Answer 8

a formal agreement entered into by more than 2 states (multiple)

Question 9

bilateral

Answer 9

a formal agreement entered into by states (only 2)

Question 10

ratification

Answer 10

the process of full adoption of the obligations imposed by a treaty or covenant into Australian law by the passing of legislation through the federal parliament that mirrors and enacts the treaty obligation

Question 11

bill of rights

Answer 11

it is a formal declaration of the legal and civil rights of the citizens of any state, country or federation

Question 12

royal commission

Answer 12

a type of public inquiry by bodies specifically appointed by the executive government to provide advice or investigate some issue of public importance. established under specific legislation and have powers of investigation such as ability to examine witnesses, rights of entry etc