U.N. review puts spotlight on China's treatment of ethnic minorities
A routine examination by the U.N. Human Rights Council looked at Chinese crackdowns on Uyghurs and Tibetans.
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.
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
Review of Saudi human rights tainted by journalist's murder
The murder of Jamal Khashoggi overshadowed the U.N. examination of Saudi Arabia's troubled human rights record.
European bloc joins WIPO treaty on books for visually impaired people
The 'Books for Blind' Marrakesh Treaty championed by Stevie Wonder will have 70 member nations when the E.U. is added.
Global appeal at U.N. seeks freedom for captive journalists and free press
The special gathering at U.N. headquarters in New York highlighted the many challenges to press freedoms globally.
Myanmar democratic push at a 'standstill' with military-led abuses
A U.N. panel identified six Myanmar military leaders it said should be prosecuted for genocide against Rohingya Muslims.
Human rights experts outraged at Myanmar's crackdown on press
Newly installed U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet took on Myanmar by calling for the release of two journalists.
U.N. rights chief urges more global support for people and not nations
Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein warned people's rights must be defended amid a rise in populist-driven authoritarians.
Faced with U.N. scrutiny, China on defensive over Uyghur detentions
China rejected concerns of experts that at least 1 million ethnic Uyghurs are being detained and indoctrinated.
Chile's former president Bachelet named U.N. human rights chief
A medical doctor and former political prisoner, Bachelet got involved in politics as a human rights activist in the 1970s.
Trump urged to cease news media attacks that could trigger violence
Experts warned the Trump administration's actions are meant to undermine the mission of U.S.-based news organizations.
Danish cartoons stir Muslim push for international 'hatred' ban
Muslim anger at efforts to satirize Prophet Muhammad stirred OIC to propose a ban against incitement of religious hatred.
Out of limelight, a quiet force for civilian and political rights
Three times a year an obscure panel of human rights experts meets in Geneva and New York with a monumental task.
Experts detail atrocities against Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar
Three independent human rights experts traveled to Bangladesh to meet with newly arrived Rohingya refugees.
Modern slavery traps 40.3 million people around the world
North Korea had the highest concentration of modern slavery, but Australia, Europe and the U.S. also had growing numbers.
U.N. calls on Turkey to uphold all 'basic rights' after emergency rule
Leaders welcomed the end of Turkey's emergency rule, urging its government to uphold human rights and legal standards.
Iceland approved to replace U.S. on U.N.'s top human right body
The Nordic island nation won approval to join the U.N. Human Rights Council, filling a vacancy left by the United States.