Document Type

Article

Disciplines

International Law

Abstract

In 1945, the founders of the United Nations declared their intention to "reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small."' Article 55 of the U.N. Charter echoes these words more favorably.' The language of the Charter is repeated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ("Universal Declaration"),3 the two International Covenants,' and in numerous human rights instruments, declarations and resolutions.

Since the adoption of the U.N. Charter, the protection of human rights has become a growing concern of the international community. The human rights movement expresses the aspirations of the oppressed, the relationship of individuals to states, and the legacy of society for future generations. It carries with it the passion that has been so eloquently expressed since the adoption of the French Declaration: the passion for equality, freedom, fraternity and social justice.

During the last fifty years, the international community has made remarkable achievements involving the human rights movement. Building on the Universal Declaration,5 the international community has established standards through a myriad of human rights instruments that covers virtually every sphere of human activity. These international instruments, which have been reinforced by regional systems, have established compliance mechanisms and procedures for establishing dialogue amongst states.

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