Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

The extension of a state's human rights obligations beyond its territorial boundaries in certain situations.

An expert committee established under a human rights treaty to monitor state compliance and review individual complaints.

Rights recognizing the cultural, land, and self-determination claims of indigenous peoples under international law.

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

A regional human rights court that adjudicates alleged violations of the American Convention on Human Rights among member states.

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

A multilateral treaty protecting fundamental civil and political rights like freedom of speech and fair trial.

A treaty recognizing rights related to work, education, health, and an adequate standard of living.

A doctrine allowing regional human rights courts to provide states some discretion in how they implement certain rights.

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

An independent expert appointed by the UN to investigate, monitor, and report on human rights issues or thematic mandates.

A treaty body monitoring implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by its state parties.

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