Human Rights
International Treaties

International human rights treaties form the basis of the legal architecture that underpins universal dignity.
These international legal documents represent collective commitments that transcend borders, set common standards, and make the protection of individuals a matter of global responsibility.
Their importance lies in the fact that each treaty not only defines rights, but also shapes contemporary diplomacy, helping nations to cooperate in building a more just, inclusive, and equitable international order.

International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (1966)

It is important internationally because it recognizes fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, association, and political participation.

It is key to the protection of democracy and the rule of law.

Its Committee examines reports and individual complaints.

What does this important treaty establish?

It establishes the right to life and prohibits arbitrary executions.
It establishes freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
It establishes the right to participate in free elections.
It prohibits torture and arbitrary detention.
It establishes equality before the law and due process.

Diplomatic relevance:

Reinforces global democratic standards.
Allows individual complaints to be brought before the Human Rights Committee.
Influences constitutional and legal reforms.
Strengthens diplomacy in defense of democracy.

The International Convention on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (1966)

The importance of the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is that it guarantees rights such as education, health, work, and housing.

It establishes the progressive obligation of States to ensure decent living conditions.

Its Committee monitors progress through periodic reports.

What does this important treaty cover?

The right to work and fair conditions.
The right to social security.
The right to health.
The right to education.
The right to participate in cultural life.

Diplomatic relevance:

Promotes international cooperation in development.
Reinforces the notion of comprehensive human rights.
Influences aid and cooperation policies.
Sets standards for international organizations.
Ties human rights with sustainable development.

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979)

It is internationally significant because it establishes an international legal framework for women's rights.

It obliges states to eliminate discrimination in all spheres and guarantee substantive equality.

What does this important treaty establish?

Equality in education, employment, and health.
Elimination of gender stereotypes.
Protection against gender-based violence.
Equality in marriage and family.
Oversight by the CEDAW Committee.

Diplomatic relevance:

Strengthens the global agenda for gender equality.
Influences international cooperation policies.
Allows for individual complaints.
Generates diplomatic pressure against gender-based violence.
Links women's rights to development and peace.

International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965)

It is of international importance because it establishes a universal prohibition of racial discrimination and obliges States to adopt legislative and policy measures to eradicate it.

It reinforces equality as a fundamental principle of international law.

Its Committee examines individual complaints and monitors compliance.

What does this important treaty establish?

Prohibition of racial discrimination in all its forms.
Elimination of racist laws and practices.
Promotion of tolerance and friendship among peoples.
Right to effective remedies against acts of discrimination.
Supervision by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Diplomatic relevance:

Strengthens international cooperation against racism.
Establishes common standards in anti-discrimination policies.
Facilitates interstate complaints.
Promotes intercultural dialogue in multilateral forums.
Ties human rights to international peace and security.

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984)

It is of international importance because it absolutely prohibits torture and establishes mechanisms for prevention and punishment.

It is a pillar in the protection of human dignity.

What does this important treaty establish?

Absolute prohibition of torture.
Criminalization of torture.
Prohibition of extradition to countries where there is a risk of torture.
Right to reparation for victims.
Supervision by the Committee against Torture.

Diplomatic relevance:

Reinforces universal standards against torture.
Influences extradition treaties.
Generates international pressure against abuses.
Promotes cooperation in police and judicial training.
Ties human rights to international criminal justice.

Convención sobre los Derechos del Niño (1989)

It is of international importance because it recognizes specific rights of children and obliges States to protect them.

It is the most widely ratified treaty in the world.

What does this important treaty establish?

It establishes the right to life, survival, and development.
It establishes the right to education.
It establishes protection against exploitation and abuse.
It establishes the right to express opinions.
It establishes oversight by the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Diplomatic relevance:

Strengthens international cooperation on children's issues.
Influences child protection policies.
Generates pressure against child exploitation.
Ties children's rights to sustainable development.
Promotes humanitarian diplomacy.

International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (1990)

It is important internationally because it protects migrant workers and their families from abuse and discrimination.

It recognizes their contribution to economic and social development.

What does this important treaty establish?

It establishes equal treatment in employment and working conditions.
It establishes protection against exploitation.
It establishes the right to family reunification.
It establishes access to basic services.
It establishes oversight by the Committee on Migrant Workers.

Diplomatic relevance:

Strengthens cooperation on migration.
Influences bilateral and regional agreements.
Generates pressure against abuses against migrants.
Links migration with development.
Promotes dialogue on human mobility.

Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (2006)

It is important internationally because it recognizes the full equality of people with disabilities and obliges states to guarantee accessibility and inclusion.

What does this important treaty establish?

Equality and non-discrimination.
Accessibility in spaces and services.
The right to inclusive education.
The right to decent work.
Supervision by the Disability Committee.

Diplomatic relevance:

Strengthens cooperation on social inclusion.
Influences global accessibility policies.
Generates pressure against discrimination.
Ties disability with sustainable development.
Promotes inclusive diplomacy.

Human Rights International Treaties

International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (1966)

The International Convention on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (1966)

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979)

International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965)

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984)

Convención sobre los Derechos del Niño (1989)

International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (1990)

Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (2006)

Human Rights
International Treaties