Mandates of international laws
​International Human Rights Law
The international human rights movement was strengthened when the United Nations General Assembly adopted of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on 10 December 1948. Drafted as ‘a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations', the Declaration for the first time in human history spell out basic civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that all human beings should enjoy. It has over time been widely accepted as the fundamental norms of human rights that everyone should respect and protect. The UDHR, together with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its two Optional Protocols, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, form the so - called International Bill of Human Rights.
A series of international human rights treaties and other instruments adopted since 1945 have conferred legal form on inherent human rights and developed the body of international human rights. Other instruments have been adopted at the regional level reflecting the particular human rights concerns of the region and providing for specific mechanisms of protection. Most States have also adopted constitutions and other laws which formally protect basic human rights. While international treaties and customary law form the backbone of international human rights law other instruments, such as declarations, guidelines and principles adopted at the international level contribute to its understanding, implementation and development. Respect for human rights requires the establishment of the rule of law at the national and international levels.
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International human rights law lays down obligations which States are bound to respect. By becoming parties to international treaties, States assume obligations and duties under international law to respect, to protect and to fulfil human rights. The obligation to respect means that States must refrain from interfering with or curtailing the enjoyment of human rights. The obligation to protect requires States to protect individuals and groups against human rights abuses. The obligation to fulfil means that States must take positive action to facilitate the enjoyment of basic human rights.
Through ratification of international human rights treaties, Governments undertake to put into place domestic measures and legislation compatible with their treaty obligations and duties. Where domestic legal proceedings fail to address human rights abuses, mechanisms and procedures for individual complaints or communications are available at the regional and international levels to help ensure that international human rights standards are indeed respected, implemented, and enforced at the local level.
source: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/InternationalLaw.aspx
'It is using the Declaration that breathes life into it.'
As an international instrument, the Declaration provides a blueprint for Indigenous peoples and governments around the world, based on the principles of self-determination and participation, to respect the rights and roles of Indigenous peoples within society. It is the instrument that contains the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples all over the world.
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- Mick Gooda,
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner.
Universal Declaration of
Human Rights
How Does International Law Protect Human Rights?
International human rights law lays down obligations which States are bound to respect. By becoming parties to international treaties, States assume obligations and duties under international law to respect, to protect and to fulfil human rights. The obligation to respect means that States must refrain from interfering with or curtailing the enjoyment of human rights. The obligation to protect requires States to protect individuals and groups against human rights abuses. The obligation to fulfil means that States must take positive action to facilitate the enjoyment of basic human rights.
Through ratification of international human rights treaties, Governments undertake to put into place domestic measures and legislation compatible with their treaty obligations and duties. The domestic legal system, therefore, provides the principal legal protection of human rights guaranteed under international law. Where domestic legal proceedings fail to address human rights abuses, mechanisms and procedures for individual and group complaints are available at the regional and international levels to help ensure that international human rights standards are indeed respected, implemented, and enforced at the local level.
UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities
Societies throughout the world enjoy ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity. Ending discrimination against minorities requires us to protect and embrace diversity through the promotion and implementation of human rights standards. UN Member States took a major step in this direction in 1992 when they unanimously adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. The Declaration sets essential standards to ensure the rights of persons belonging to minorities and as such is a key reference for United Nations work.
It offers guidance to States as they seek to manage diversity and ensure non-discrimination, and for minorities themselves, as they strive to achieve equality and participation
The Declaration of ​
Self-determination and Nationhood of the Autonomous Autochthonous Indigenous Circassian Peoples ​
A Nation In Exile
Most recently another momentous landmark in the epic history of the Indigenous Circassian peoples was reached; 'The Declaration of Self-determination and Nationhood of the Autonomous Autochthonous Indigenous Circassian Peoples: A Nation In Exile.'
The declaration endorses the UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) that mandates indigenous peoples to freely pursue self-determination and their cultural interests within the parameters of international law and in accordance with the solemn proclamation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a standard of achievement to be pursued in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect.. The Circassian declaration was presented to the EU Parliament in Brussels on November 7th 2011.
​​What is Indigenous Circassian Nation?
​​On November 7, 2011 the Declaration of Circassian Nationhood was delivered to the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. On this auspicious day, Circassians officially claimed the natural rights endowed to us and affirmed by international law and universally accepted standards. These international laws and standards are the primary mechanism that the Indigenous Circassian Nation (ICN) will utilize to obtain our rights to our homeland and within our homeland.
This homeland is Circassia, the ancient and eternal​
List of Relevant Treaties:
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
• International Covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
• Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
• Convention on the Rights of the Child (CROC)
• Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
• Convention against Torture (CAT)
