Europe's first legally binding treaty on violence against women turns 5
The treaty, which took effect in 2014, builds on efforts to protect women and girls from violence since the 1990s.
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, along with other international organizations, 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
China dismisses rebuke at U.N. Human Rights Council over Uyghurs
The condemnation came from Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan and New Zealand, along with 17 European nations.
Council of Europe keeps Russia as member despite Crimea annexation
Europe's leading human rights organization approved by majority vote a joint declaration that tries to appease Russia.
Two Reuters journalists held in Rohingya case are freed in Myanmar
The journalists were imprisoned since Dec. 2017 for investigating killings of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys.
U.N. rights chief calls for guarantees on Libyan humanitarian corridors
The U.N. fears more air raids and heavy shelling in residential areas could cause more deaths and destroyed neighborhoods.
Myanmar court keeps journalists locked up in Rohingya case
The U.N. and other organizations urged the nation to immediately release the two Reuters journalists.
U.N. and Israel in clash over human rights in Gaza border protests
A panel found Israeli soldiers used live ammunition against thousands of unarmed protesters, killing 189 Palestinians.
Human rights agenda seen to be 'losing ground' around the world
The Human Rights Council began with warnings of broken norms despite some powerful movements for social justice.
Hatred stirred by populism brings deadliest year yet for journalists
In the past year at least 80 journalists were killed, 348 were detained in prison and 60 were taken as hostages.
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.
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.