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Creation of the United Nations
The United Nations was created following the end of World War II as an international organization aspiring to promote global peace, security, and cooperation. The UN's initial charter was signed in San Francisco, outlining official principles that now act as a foundation for global progression. Since its inception, the UN has fostered great change in society by paying recognition to the groups and crises' that need it most. -
Nuremberg Trials
The Nuremberg Trials were held following World War Two in Germany to prosecute 22 Nazi officials involved in the Holocaust. This trial was the first to address war and humanity related crimes on a global premise. Nonetheless, it was highly successful and now acts as a reminder of justice and precedent for future cases that may violate the rights of humanity. -
Universial Declartion of Human Rights
The UDHR is internationally regarded as a fundamental document in upholding the rights and freedoms of all human beings. It enshrines principles such as universality, interdependence, equality, and non-discrimination. All 193 UN member states have ratified at least one of the none binding treaties influenced by this declaration, signifying global strides towards shared freedoms. -
Amnesty Interntaional
Amnesty International is a non-governmental, global organization of over 10 million people focused on human rights advocacy. By undertaking research, information, and education campaigns, Amnesty is able to draw attention to human rights issues and violations. They have made strides in influencing legislation, stopping abuse, fighting for justice, and strengthening the world's approach to maintaining human rights. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
A monumental civil rights and labour law in the United States signed by President Lyndon Johnson. The act prohibited discrimination n the basis of race, colour religion, sex, and nationality both in public sectors and employment. It also advocated for the integration of schools social facilities. In all, the Civil Rights Act marked a pivotal stride towards equality in America. -
Covenant on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
The ICERD was the first major UN human rights treaty addressing racism, by requiring countries to outlaw and combat racial discrimination in all its forms. Additionally, it actively promoted understanding among all races, the elimination of practices that perpetuate inequality, and setting a global standard against racism. Global accountability is established by the Committee designed to monitor compliance. -
International Convenant on Civil and Political Rights
The UN's ICCPR attempts to reaffirm the civil and political rights of all human beings by recognizing the inherent dignity of each individual. Examples of these rights include the right to life, equality, peaceful assembly, and security of the person. This document also comprises part of the International Bill of Rights. -
Human Rights Watch
The HRW is a leading international non-governmental organization that investigates and reports human rights abuses around the world. This also includes pressuring leaders and institutions to uphold justice and accountability. This organization has been greatly effective at evidence-based, rigorous advocacy, which exposes exploiters and empowers victims in more than 90 countries. -
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
The CEDAW is a significant treaty for women across the globe, as it pushes signatory countries to eliminate discrimination against them in all areas of life including education, employment, and politics. Moreover, it addresses larger issues such as dismantling gender inequalities and systemic barriers which will advance nations in achieving universal freedoms for their citizens. -
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was established in 1982 by former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. It is an imperative part of Canada's legal system, and is highly regarded for making Canada a more just society. The introduction of Charter has meant more equality, freedoms, recognition, security, and democracy for minorities, Indigenous peoples, and all Canadians. -
Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
The ICESCR aspires to protect the economic, social, and cultural rights of every individual. Some of these rights include the freedom from discrimination, the right to equality, self-determination, social security, and an adequate standard of living. Countries that have ratified this document must follow a reporting procedure as well as an optional protocol to ensure the upholding of individual freedoms. -
Fall of the Belrin Wall
The Berlin Wall once represented the ideological divisions of the Cold War by separating Germany into opposing East and West nations. This isolated millions of families, erupting into unrest and calls for mobility rights. Now fallen, the Berlin Wall signifies sovereignty for a new, reunited Germany, where it's citizens and leaders can all act as one. -
Convention on the Rights of Children
The CRC is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history and establishes comprehensive standards to protect the rights of children. Moreover, it redefined children as independent right-holders, which places clear obligations on governments to prioritize the best interest of children politically, economically, and socially. This convention is significant in the way children are now regarded and valued in the world. -
End of Apartheid in South Africa
Decades of racial policies enforced by South Africa's Nationalist Party came to an end during a landmark referendum. This meant closing a chapter of violence, international sanctions, and economic struggles. Furthermore, ending the Apartheid gave way to South Africa's first free and non-racial election two years later, making Nelson Mandela the country's first black president. -
Rwandan Genocide Ends
Lasting 100 days, the Rwandan genocide murdered approximately 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu peoples. It came to an end after the government was overthrown, and is now a landmark event that exposed the international community's failure to intervene. However, the mass atrocities caused led to the development of stronger international justice efforts such as The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. -
Establishment of the International Criminal Court
The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established by the Rome Statute as the first permanent court for prosecuting those responsible for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. This was an extremely significant development for the world, as it advocated for global justice, enforced accountability, and upholds the human rights of victims who may struggle to find national support otherwise. Overall, the ICC was a step towards accountability and human equality. -
Covenant on the Rights of Persons with Disabilties
The CRPD is an international human rights treaty tasked with protecting and promoting the rights and dignity of those with disabilities. This is done through ensuring persons with disabilities have equal rights and access to all aspects of life. Furthermore, it prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires signatory countries to ensure laws are inclusive and equal for all. -
United Nations Declartion on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
This declaration by the UN provides a framework for reconciliation, healing, and peace between the government and Indigenous peoples. It has set a global standard to uphold the human rights of Indigenous peoples by affirming their possession of self-determination, culture, and land. This has been particularity important for Canada, which has a long history of truth and reconciliation efforts. -
Black Lives Matter (BLM)
The BLM movement was founded in 2013, however it gained major global attention after the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in 2020. This movement predominately advocates against police violence and systemic racisim towards Black people through social media and protests. In turn, BLM has effectively challenged societal structures, inequalities in the justice system, and has raised immense awareness from the world. -
#MeToo Movement
The #MeToo Movement began as a social media campaign to highlight the prominence of sexual harassment and assault in society. This empowered survivors to share their experiences, which led to a global shift in perspective on gender-based violence and inequality. Although controversial, this movement demanded accountability and systemic change to establish the importance of women's rights.