Throughout history, nations and civil society itself have used various institutions to ensure the protection and fulfillment of these rights. Next, We will see several of the main institutions that protect Human Rights Worldwide.
The main institutions that protect Human Rights
Human rights include the right to life and liberty, to be free from slavery or torture, to freedom of opinion and expression, to education and to work, among many others. These rights are inherent to all people, without distinction of race, sex, nationality, ethnic origin, language, religion or any other condition, according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights approved in 1948.
Let’s see which organizations are responsible for monitoring and controlling compliance with these rights.
1. Amnesty International
This global non-profit organization, present in more than 150 countries, works for the right to truth, justice and reparation for victims of abuse such as unfair trials, arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial executions or gender violence.
Furthermore, Amnesty International defends the human rights of migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, displaced persons or victims of trafficking. Also to the civilian population in armed conflicts and the victims of violence by States and other political and business actors.
This civil organization usually carries out campaigns against torture and ill-treatment, and in favor of sexual and reproductive rights, against the death penalty and for effective control of weapons.
2. International Transparency
Transparency International is a non-governmental organization, founded in Germany in 1993, which promotes measures against corporate crimes and political corruption internationally It is made up of more than 100 delegations in different countries.
This organization usually publishes every year and since 1995 the corruption perception index, which measures the levels of corruption in the public sector, based on surveys of experts and companies. This index has received criticism for its poor reliability.
In Spain, Transparency International began working in 2000 and is currently managed by the José Ortega y Gasset Foundation. At the state level, It also has indices that measure corruption in city councils, autonomous communities and councils
3. Ombudsman
The Ombudsman is the institutional figure that is responsible for defending the fundamental rights and public freedoms of citizens by supervising the activity of public administrations.
In Spain, he is elected by the Congress of Deputies and the Senate, by a three-fifths majority. It is an institution without executive powers, so its strength is rather persuasive and political. It has the capacity to issue reports to the Cortes Generales, although they are not binding.
4. United Nations Human Rights Council
The Human Rights Council, created in 2006, is an intergovernmental institution of the United Nations that is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the world as well as confront situations of human rights violations and make recommendations regarding them.
This body has the capacity to discuss all issues relating to human rights and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the United Nations Office in Geneva.
The Council is made up of 47 Member States of the United Nations who are elected by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
5. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
UNICEF is a United Nations organization based in the United States and present in more than 190 countries, whose objective is provide humanitarian aid to children and families in developing countries
With the Declaration of the Rights of the Child promoted in 1959, UNICEF became an essential agent in responding to the needs of children and protecting their rights. In 1965 he received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Among its priorities are helping children and families in areas of extreme poverty in Africa and other parts of the world. UNICEF also works on health, water, sanitation and nutrition programs, as well as promoting education and the social participation of children.
6. United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
The UNDP was created in 1958 by the United Nations General Assembly to contribute to improving the quality of life of nations and their citizens. Currently, it is present in 178 countries and It is the body responsible for implementing the Sustainable Development objectives which include aspects such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, the promotion of peace or justice.
Its priorities are poverty reduction, prevention and recovery from the economic crisis, energy and the environment, information technologies and HIV-AIDS. Since 1990, the UNDP has published the human development report or Human Development Index (HDI), an indicator of achievements in fundamental aspects of human development, such as living a long and healthy life, acquiring knowledge and enjoying a dignified life.
7. Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch is a non-governmental, non-profit human rights organization made up of about 400 members from various countries around the world. It was founded in 1978 and is an institution recognized for its rigorous investigation of the facts, the presentation of impartial reports, the effective use of the media and the defense of clear rights objectives.
This organization opposes violations of basic human rights, including capital punishment and sexual discrimination She is also known for her defense of civil liberties and fundamental rights, such as freedom of religion and the press.
Each year, Human Rights Watch presents the Human Rights Defenders Award to activists around the world who have demonstrated leadership and courage in defending human rights.
8. Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF)
This non-governmental organization was created in 1989 as a non-profit association in Belgium. Its main objectives are to shape European and international policy to strengthen democracy; defend the rule of law; and protect human rights around the world.
HRWF tries to strengthen the culture of human rights by exchanging information, publishing reports and organizing seminars and events that educate policy makers and inform the general public.
Other priorities are: addressing violations of religious freedom, denouncing the trafficking of women for sexual exploitation or the protection of ethnic and linguistic minorities, as well as the violation of human rights in countries such as China, Korea or Russia.
9. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
UNESCO is an institution founded in 1945 that promotes human rights and the rule of law, with special emphasis on the right to education, information, freedom of opinion and expression cultural rights and the right to participate in scientific advances and participate in technological and social progress.
This organization has a pacifist vocation and, among other issues, particularly supports literacy
In education, this organization prioritizes the achievement of elementary education adapted to current needs. It also promotes collaboration with teachers, family planners, educational administrators, and encourages the construction of schools and the provision of equipment necessary for their start-up and operation.
10. International Labor Organization (ILO)
The ILO is a United Nations agency, founded in 1919, which handles matters relating to labor and labor relations Its main objectives are: to promote labor rights, foster decent work opportunities, improve social protection and strengthen dialogue to address work-related issues.
Its operation is based on a tripartite structure, in which workers and employers have the same right to vote as governments during the deliberations of their main bodies. Every year, they meet in Geneva to celebrate the International Labor Conference. In 1969, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his achievements in social justice.