The United Nations Commission on Human Rights was established in 1946 to weave the international legal fabric protecting our fundamental rights and freedoms. It also acted as a forum where countries large and small, non-governmental groups and human rights defenders worldwide voiced their concerns.
In 1948, representatives of 50 countries met in Geneva for what would become known as “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights” conference. This document outlined 30 articles detailing how every person on earth should be treated equally under international law regardless of race or gender, religion, nationality, or social status.
Since then, it has been ratified by almost every country globally with only two exceptions (the United States signed but never ratified it; South Sudan voted against ratification). Today there is an entire UN agency dedicated to protecting human rights worldwide called The Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
In 1998, it became the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), which continues to work for all people everywhere through its resolutions, decisions, and actions. HRC is dedicated to promoting universal respect for human rights by strengthening national institutions, promoting dialogue among civil society actors, and engaging with regional organizations across the globe.
This commission has been integral in protecting people’s fundamental human rights for over 70 years. Doing so has helped create an international community that is more just, fair, and equal than ever before.
It is an independent agency of the United Nations that can monitor and investigate human rights abuses, recommend solutions, and further international cooperation. The HRC works every day to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard – no matter who they are or where they live so we can all enjoy our fundamental human rights without discrimination or fear of persecution.
This commission helped set up a system for protecting human rights by monitoring countries’ compliance with international treaties regarding civil and political rights, economic, social, and cultural rights, women’s rights. They also help protect children’s right to education. The Commission on Human Rights was significant because it helped establish a foundation for protecting fundamental human freedoms worldwide.
To know more about human rights and their importance, check out our blog section.