Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document, developed and signed in 1948, the aftermath of World War 2 to ensure respect for the human rights of all individuals and all peoples.

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): The ICCPR outlines civil and political rights such as the right to life (Article 6), freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment (Article 7), freedom from slavery (Article 8), the right to liberty (Article 10) and the right to respect for privacy and family (Article 17). The ICCPR was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1966.

International Covenant on Economic and Cultural Rights (ICESCR): The ICESCR outlines economic, social and cultural rights which protect the basic necessities for life which includes the rights to food and water, to have a roof over your head, and to adequate healthcare. The ICESCR was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 16 December 1966

Geneva Convention and Additional Protocols: The four Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols regulate the conduct of armed conflict including traditional civil wars, internal armed conflicts that spill over into other States or internal conflicts in which third States or a multinational force intervenes alongside the government. The Geneva Conventions seek to limit the effects of armed conflict. In particular, they protect people who are not taking part in the hostilities (civilians, health workers, and aid workers) and those who are no longer participating in the hostilities (wounded, sick and shipwrecked soldiers and prisoners of war). The Geneva Conventions were adopted in 1949. Two Additional Protocols were adopted in 1977, and the third Additional Protocol was adopted in 2005.

Committee on the Rights of the Child: The Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC Committee) is the body of 18 Independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. All states parties to the CRC have to submit a report about their compliance with the terms of the treaty every 5 years. The reporting cycle provides an opportunity for expert organizations and civil society organizations to present “shadow” reports highlighting particular areas of concern or failure to ensure the protection of children’s rights. We will further examine the role of the CRC Committee in Section 4.