Now in its fourth decade, campaign fights most pervasive rights violation
The 16-day campaign involves thousands of organizations in 187 nations and runs until Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.
Human Rights
Human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms inherent to every person. Their modern legal foundation is the International Bill of Human Rights, which consists of three key documents: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The U.N. and its agencies work to protect and promote these rights globally.
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U.N. condemns Iranian crackdown, sets up probe of rights abuses
A U.N. special session responded to Tehran's violence and widespread protests over 22-year-old Mahsa Amini's death.
G-7 condemns Russian 'war crime' in Ukraine
G-7 nations pledged to "stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes" while promising more military aid and demanding Russia's immediate withdrawal.
U.N. appoints human rights investigator for Russia
The U.N. appointed a special rapporteur to examine Russia's human rights records in light of its crackdowns on dissent over its war in Ukraine.
Nations refuse U.N. debate over Xinjiang
China notched a diplomatic win with the U.N. Human Rights Council's rejection of a debate on evidence of abuses in China’s remote Xinjiang region.
U.N. experts point to evidence of Russian war crimes
A panel of U.N. human rights investigators concluded that war crimes have been committed in Ukraine during Russia's almost 7-month-old invasion.
Modern slavery traps almost 50 million people around the world
New estimates show 49.6 million people, or nearly 1-in-150 worldwide, trapped in modern slavery - up 23% in five years.
Austria's Türk wins approval to lead top U.N. human rights body
U.N. career diplomat Volker Türk of Austria won approval to replace former U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet.
Showdown over U.N. report on alleged China abuses in Xinjiang
A closely watched U.N. report finds China's persecution of Muslim Uyghurs may constitute crimes against humanity.
Widespread racism in focus at U.N. review of U.S. racial justice record
Entrenched racism, white nationalism, aggressive policing and xenophobia stifle the rights of Americans nationwide.
Syrian war kills 1.5% of civilian population
At least 306,887 civilians were killed in the first decade of Syria's conflict "as a direct result of war operations," the U.N. human rights office estimated.
Global outcry to protect women after U.S. ruling
Global leaders broadly condemned the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and other precedents protecting access to abortion.
Street renamed to honor murdered political journalist Jamal Khashoggi
The street renaming honors the journalist assassinated by the Saudis because of his writings about the repressive regime.
Bachelet to step down at end of first term
Just weeks after a trip to China that drew widespread criticism, Michelle Bachelet said she will not seek a second four-term as U.N. human rights chief.
Voting rights in international organizations
Proportion of voting rights in international organizations, with only small changes over time to reflect agreement on suspension and negotiated changes.
Assassination to intimidation: dissidents targeted across borders
Assassination and unlawful deportations are some of the methods that regimes use against activists and dissidents.