What are the International Human Rights Standards?

The international human rights standards refer to the legislation and treaties that outline the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and societies around the world. These standards are based on the belief that all human beings are born free and equal and should be treated with respect and dignity. They are often referred to as the “universal rights” that all persons should enjoy. The international human rights standards are composed of a number of documents and have been created to ensure that the rights of all people, no matter where they live, are recognized and respected. Examples of these documents include the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The UDHR outlines the basic rights and freedoms of all persons, such as civil liberties, freedom of thought and speech, freedom from discrimination, the right to fair wages, and the right to education. The ICCPR and ICESCR include more legally-binding guarantees for individuals and groups. For instance, the ICCPR protects against arbitrary arrest, torture, and inhuman or degrading punishment, while the ICESCR supports the rights to work, to health, and to an adequate standard of living. In New Mexico, international human rights standards are recognized in the state’s constitution and supreme court rulings. The New Mexico Supreme Court has applied the protections of the ICCPR and ICESCR in a variety of cases. For example, the court ruled in 2005 that prison inmates have a right to mental health care based on the ICESCR. Overall, international human rights standards are designed to create a world where everyone enjoys the same fundamental rights and freedoms. These standards remain crucial in promoting respect for the human rights of all people.

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