Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

The use of granting asylum as a diplomatic tool to influence relationships between states or protect political dissidents.

An individual who flees their home country seeking international protection but whose refugee status has not yet been legally recognized. They await formal determination of their claim.

United Nations rules on the treatment of women prisoners and non-custodial measures for women offenders, emphasizing gender-sensitive approaches.

The concept that climate change impacts and responsibilities should be addressed fairly, especially for vulnerable populations.

Certain widespread or systematic attacks against civilians, including murder, enslavement, torture, and persecution.

Customary international human rights law consists of rights and obligations derived from consistent state practice and opinio juris, binding all states regardless of treaty ratification.

Protection granted by a state within its diplomatic premises to individuals fleeing persecution or legal prosecution in the host state.

Rights that guarantee access to education, health, work, and cultural participation, protected under international human rights treaties.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s leadership in promoting global human rights through the United Nations framework.

The principle advocating that human rights are inalienable and applicable to all people regardless of culture or nation, championed by Eleanor Roosevelt.

Eleanor Roosevelt's advocacy for universal human rights applicable to all individuals regardless of culture or nationality.

A foundational human rights document promoting equality, freedom, and dignity worldwide.

A person compelled to leave their country due to sudden or gradual environmental changes adversely affecting their living conditions.

A regional human rights court that enforces the European Convention on Human Rights against member states of the Council of Europe.

A vision articulated by Franklin D. Roosevelt emphasizing freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear as universal rights.

The coerced movement of people from their homes due to conflict, persecution, or disasters.

The unlawful coercion of an individual into marriage during armed conflict, recognized as a violation under international criminal law.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's principles advocating freedom of speech, worship, want, and fear worldwide.

International treaties setting standards for humanitarian treatment during war, including protections for civilians and prisoners.

1975 agreement signed by 35 nations to improve relations between the Communist bloc and the West during the Cold War.

The formal agreement signed in 1975 as part of the Helsinki Accords, addressing security, cooperation, and human rights across Europe and North America. It served as a foundation for East-West dialogue.

The systematic genocide of six million Jews and millions of others by Nazi Germany during World War II.

The unlawful seizing or detaining of individuals to compel actions from others during armed conflict, prohibited under international humanitarian law. It constitutes a serious violation subject to prosecution.

Also known as SOCHUM, a UNGA committee focusing on human rights issues and humanitarian concerns worldwide.

A committee of the UN General Assembly focused on social, humanitarian, and human rights issues.

An intergovernmental UN body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally through dialogue and investigations.

A UN committee focused on issues related to human rights and humanitarian affairs.

An approach focusing on protecting individuals from threats like poverty, disease, and violence rather than just state security.

An approach to security emphasizing the participation of women, minorities, and marginalized groups in peace and security processes.

The collective rights of indigenous peoples to their ancestral lands, recognized under international human rights and humanitarian law.

An autonomous organ of the Organization of American States that promotes and protects human rights in the Americas.

A procedure allowing one state to bring alleged human rights violations by another state before a regional human rights body.

Interim measures of protection are temporary orders by international courts to prevent harm or preserve rights pending a final decision.

Internationally recognized guidelines and conventions protecting workers’ rights and promoting fair labor practices.

The body of law governing the protection of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons under international treaties and customs.

A concept emphasizing protection of individuals from threats beyond traditional military security.

Kofi Annan’s advocacy for international intervention to prevent mass atrocities and protect civilians.

Fundamental human rights that cannot be suspended or limited, even during emergencies or armed conflicts.

The principle prohibiting states from returning refugees or asylum seekers to territories where their life or freedom would be threatened.

Prohibits returning refugees or asylum seekers to countries where they face serious threats to life or freedom.

The UN agency mandated to protect and support refugees, stateless persons, and displaced populations worldwide.

Additional treaties linked to a main human rights treaty that expand rights or establish complaint mechanisms.

The obligation not to return refugees or asylum seekers to a country where they face serious harm or persecution.

Diplomatic approach that balances respect for sovereignty with promotion of human rights and international norms.

A legal principle requiring that measures taken in armed conflict or law enforcement are necessary and not excessive relative to the desired objective.

An international norm that states have the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.

The forcible return of refugees or asylum seekers to a country where they face serious threats to life or freedom, prohibited under international law.

The legal process by which authorities decide whether an asylum seeker qualifies as a refugee under international criteria.

An international norm that states must protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.

The entitlement of individuals to seek protection in another state when facing persecution or serious harm in their home country.

A collective human right recognizing peoples' entitlement to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural, and political development.

The right protecting individuals against unlawful surveillance and data interception in electronic communications.

A policy strategy that integrates human rights principles into the design and implementation of policies.

The 1994 mass slaughter of Tutsi ethnic group in Rwanda by the Hutu majority, resulting in approximately 800,000 deaths.

Self-determination of peoples is the principle that communities have the right to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

A main UN General Assembly committee addressing human rights, humanitarian affairs, and social issues.

Tension between state sovereignty and international intervention for human rights or security.

A special rapporteur mandate authorizes an independent expert to investigate, monitor, and report on specific human rights issues or country situations.

An armed conflict beginning in 2003 in Sudan's Darfur region involving government forces and rebel groups with massive humanitarian consequences.

A 1975 agreement among Cold War powers aimed at improving relations and promoting human rights in Europe.

A committee of independent experts monitoring implementation of core international human rights treaties by states parties.

UN body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide through dialogue and investigations.

International norm that states have a duty to protect populations from mass atrocities and the global community must intervene if they fail.

The United Nations agency responsible for protecting and supporting refugees and displaced persons worldwide.

A UN agency mandated to protect and support refugees and displaced persons worldwide.

A UN agency mandated to protect and support refugees worldwide.

A foundational UN document adopted in 1948 outlining fundamental human rights standards globally.

A mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council that reviews the human rights records of all UN member states every few years.