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A Complete Overview of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Major Human Rights Conventions

Click on an entry to see the background and content of each human rights document.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948)

A 30-article declaration adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, marking the first time in human history that the international community jointly declared the universal rights every person should have. It carries no legal binding force on its own, but it became the foundation for most international human rights treaties created afterward. Its adoption date, December 10, is commemorated today as "Human Rights Day."

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

A treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966 that sets out "civil and political rights" β€” protections for individuals against unjust interference by state power, including freedom of expression, personal liberty, the right to a fair trial, and voting rights.

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

A treaty adopted alongside the ICCPR in 1966, setting out "economic, social, and cultural rights" that a state must actively guarantee, such as the right to work, the right to education, and the right to health. Together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, these two covenants are often referred to as the "International Bill of Human Rights."

Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

A treaty adopted in 1989, considered the most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world. Built around four core principles β€” the right to survival, protection, development, and participation β€” it broadly sets out the rights that every child under 18 should be entitled to.

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

A treaty adopted in 1979 that aims to eliminate discrimination against women in every sphere β€” political, economic, social, and cultural β€” and to achieve substantive equality between men and women.

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

A relatively recent treaty adopted in 2006 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and guarantees the right of persons with disabilities to participate in society on an equal basis with others.

What's the difference between a "declaration" and a "covenant" or "convention"?

A "declaration" is a political statement outlining principles the international community should aspire to, and carries no legal binding force, whereas a "covenant" or "convention" is a treaty that creates an implementation obligation similar to domestic law once a country signs and ratifies it.

Curious about the structure of international organizations?

If you're curious about the structure of international organizations like the UN that manage these human rights treaties and monitor their implementation, take a look at our overview of the world's major international organizations as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Korea also a party to these treaties?

South Korea has joined and ratified most of the core international human rights treaties, including the ICCPR, ICESCR, CRC, CEDAW, and CRPD. That said, it has declared reservations on some provisions of certain treaties.

Is there a penalty for violating these treaties?

Unlike domestic criminal law, international human rights treaties don't directly punish individuals. Instead, implementation is monitored through a process in which member states periodically submit implementation reports, which are then reviewed, with recommendations issued, by the UN Human Rights Council or each treaty's dedicated committee. That said, serious human rights violations may be handled through a separate body, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).