Promoting And Enforcing HR Flashcards
How does a state get recognition as a state?
A permanent population, a defined territory, a government, capacity to enter into international relations
What is state sovereignty?
The ultimate law-making power of a state AND its independence and freedom from external interference in its domestic affairs
How many states are apart of the UN?
193 member states
What is the role of the UN General Assembly?
It is the main forum for international debate, deliberation, declarations and recommendations.
Who reports directly to the General Assembly?
The UN’s principal Human Rights Body - THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (UNHRC)
What is the role of the UN Security Council?
Preserving international peace and security.
How does the UN Security Council exercise its power?
Through legally binding RESOLUTIONS and the authorisation of military actions, peace keeping operations.
It can intervene in the most serious human rights abuses by states
How many permanent members does the UN Security Council have and what are two of them?
5 - e.g. US AND UK
What is the role of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?
54 rotating members meet annually to assist in promoting international economic and social cooperation and development
What is the role of the UN secretariat?
The main administrative body of the UN with over 40 000 staff working worldwide. It provides various information, studies, tasks and facilities needed by the UN.
What does the UN Secreteriat include?
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
What are the two main roles of the International Court of Justice?
Primary judicial organ of the UN. 1. Has jurisdiction, under the UN charter, to settle international disputes that have been submitted to it by member states
2. AND give advisory opinions on matters of international law submitted to it by international organs and the General Assembly
What is the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and WHY was it established?
An administrative agency under the UN secreteriat that works to promote and protect the human rights contained in the UDHR and international law
What are the three main purposes of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights? (OHCHR)
- advancing universal ratification and encouraging states to sign treaties
- promoting universal human rights and international cooperation through education and taking preventative action
- provide support and info to other bodies
The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an _______ body?
Intergovernmental
What is the main role of the UN Human Rights Council?
Address Human Rights violations worldwide and make recommendations
Who does the UNHRC work closely with?
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
When was the UNHRC established?
2006
What measures does the UNHRC use to increase its power? (3)
- Complaints procedure
- Compulsory periodic reviews of all 193 member states handling of HR
- Advisory committee to provide expertise and advice for Council to consider
What are the 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)?
- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- Education
- Gender equality
- Reduce child death
- Improve maternal health
- HIV
- Environmental sustainability
- Global partnership
When do all member states hope to achieve the 8 MDGs by?
2015
What was a successful outcome of the MDGs?
Provided significant funding, resources and an important focus for states