What is the International Bill of Human Rights?

The International Bill of Human Rights refers to a set of documents that form the foundation of modern human rights law. It is made up of two primary documents: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which were adopted in 1966. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights defines basic civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights for all human beings, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political, national or social origin, or any other status. This declaration, which is not legally binding, serves as the inspiration for many laws and regulations at the international, national, and local levels. The two Covenants are legally binding international treaties that protect the rights identified in the Universal Declaration. Together, the two documents provide the framework for understanding the international standards of human rights. In South Carolina, the International Bill of Human Rights is recognized in a variety of state laws and regulations. For example, the South Carolina General Assembly has adopted a statute that recognizes the right to privacy provided by the Universal Declaration, and the state has adopted legislation that allows for the protection of civil and political rights. Ultimately, the International Bill of Human Rights serves as the blueprint for the protection of human rights around the world.

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