How do countries ensure that human rights are respected?

In order to ensure that human rights are respected, countries must create and enforce laws that protect fundamental human rights. In the United States, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights guarantee certain rights to all citizens, and the courts can take action against violations of those rights. In Virginia specifically, the Human Rights Act of 1977 prohibits discrimination against individuals based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, and disability. Additionally, Virginia’s Civil Rights Act of 1968 protects against discrimination in public accommodation and employment. Moreover, many countries have signed onto international treaties and conventions which ensure protection of certain human rights. These treaties and conventions are either ratified or signed by countries and create an international agreement to ensure that rights, such as the right to life and freedom from torture, are respected. For instance, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a set of human rights that each country is expected to uphold. In addition to laws and international agreements, countries often develop public policies that promote human rights. This includes policies on gender equality, workers’ rights, the right to education and healthcare, and other important issues. To ensure that these policies are respected, organizations are created to monitor their implementation and hold governments and organizations accountable. Finally, countries must also prioritize human rights protection when making major decisions. This means that laws, policies, and decisions must ensure that basic human rights are respected, and that they are not violated as a result of discrimination, inequality, or any other negative forces. By ensuring that these laws and policies are enforced, countries can work to create a society in which everyone’s rights are respected.

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