Learn about human rights law and mechanisms
- Overview of the Human Rights Framework, explaining the relationship between, and motivations behind, the various human rights tribunals and oversight mechanisms
- Human Rights Courts & Monitoring Bodies, including in the:
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- Universal System, describing the United Nations mechanisms relevant to human rights, with sub-sections on the International Court of Justice, UN Treaty Bodies, UN Special Procedures and International Labour Organization
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- Regional Systems, explaining the regional human rights mechanisms established in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Middle East and North Africa
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- National Systems, explaining the ways in which human rights can be enforced at the national level, with sub-sections on Domestic Prosecutions and Civil Suits, Domestic Exercise of Universal Jurisdiction, National Human Rights Institutions, and Truth and Reconciliation Commissions
- Related Areas of Law
- International Criminal Law, explaining the intersections between international human rights law and international humanitarian and criminal law, with sub-sections on the International Criminal Court, ICTY, ICTR and Internationalized Criminal Courts
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- International Humanitarian Law: also known as the laws of war and the law of armed conflict, this body of law provides the framework applicable to situations of armed conflict and occupation.
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- Refugee Law, explaining the international law governing asylum and refugee claims, and its relationship to international human rights protection, as well as to national immigration policies
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- Courts and Tribunals of Regional Economic Communities: In addition to the various regional and universal human rights mechanisms established exclusively and specifically for the promotion and protection of human rights, a number of other dispute settlement bodies – often related to economic integration initiatives – may decide cases involving individuals’ and communities’ fundamental rights.
Get research and advocacy guidance
- Reports & Advocacy Guides, providing detailed explanations of how to engage with supranational human rights monitoring bodies, and the challenges advocates may face.
- Research Aids, including our downloadable Research Guide, providing original analysis and links to external sources, with the following sub-sections:
- International Human Rights Instruments
- Jurisprudence Databases
- Books and articles
- Human Rights Conditions
- Civil Society Actors
- Thematic Research Guides on each major human rights topics
Keep informed of developments in human rights
- Read our regular news updates on human rights conditions, legal and policy developments, and the activities of human rights oversight bodies in the News Room.
- Visit the calendar for information on upcoming Hearings and Events held by international human rights institutions and organizations.
- Watch the IJRC Interview Series showcasing the work of human rights defenders around the world.
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