Government Resources

The African Charter established the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. In addition to performing any other tasks, which may be entrusted to it by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the Commission is officially charged with three major functions: the protection of human and peoples' rights; the promotion of human and peoples' rights; and the interpretation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Court) is a continental court established by African states to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa. It complements the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

ACIHL is an apolitical and non-lucrative ONG that aims to extend its services and activities to the entire Arab World and Europe. The Center specializes in the training, studies, research, translation, documentation and education of International Humanitarian law and Human Rights.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) has a commitment to pursue forward-looking strategies to strengthen the regional cooperation on human rights. The AICHR is designed to be an integral part of ASEAN organizational structure and an overarching institution with overall responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights in ASEAN.

The fundamental objectives of the Commissioner for Human Rights are laid out in Resolution (99) 50 on the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. According to this resolution, the Commissioner is mandated to: foster the effective observance of human rights, and assist member states in the implementation of Council of Europe human rights standards; promote education in and awareness of human rights in Council of Europe member states; identify possible shortcomings in the law and practice concerning human rights; facilitate the activities of national ombudsperson institutions and other human rights structures; and provide advice and information regarding the protection of human rights across the region.

There are 9 core international human rights instruments. Each of these instruments has established a committee of experts to monitor implementation of the treaty provisions by its States parties. Some of the treaties are supplemented by optional protocols dealing with specific concerns whereas the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture establishes a committee of experts.

The Council of Europe works to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law across Europe and beyond. It includes 46 member states, 27 of which are members of the European Union.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) is an international court that ensures compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). It is an international court of the Council of Europe. The court also maintains a robust library with a large collection of human rights materials.

Explore the documents that provide the foundational legal framework for international human rights.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is a principal and autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (“OAS”) whose mission is to promote and protect human rights in the American hemisphere. Visit the website for a variety of data and reports.

Following the second world war, a series of declarations and covenants began to articulate universal human rights. In 1948, for the first time, countries agreed on a comprehensive list of inalienable human rights. In December of that year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a milestone that would profoundly influence the development of international human rights law. In December 1966, the UN General Assembly adopted two international treaties that would further shape international human rights: the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). These are often referred to as “the International Covenants.” Together, the UDHR and these two Covenants are known as the International Bill of Human Rights.

The International Court of Justice is the only international court that adjudicates general disputes between nations, and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues. It is a part of the United Nations and is located in The Hague, Netherlands.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is a multilateral treaty that commits nations to respect the civil and political rights of individuals. It was adopted by United Nations General Assembly on December 16, 1966. Read the treaty on the UN website.

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 16, 1966. It commits its nations to work toward the granting of economic, social, and cultural rights to all individuals. Read the treaty on the UN website.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

Learn how Canada promotes and protects human rights and reflects Canadian values on the international stage.

Learn how the United Nations promotes and protects human rights.

SARE was created by the Organization of American States in 2015 to support Member States in their efforts and initiatives to improve the access to rights and promote greater equity in the region

Women’s sexual and reproductive health is related to multiple human rights, including the right to life, the right to be free from torture, the right to health, the right to privacy, the right to education, and the prohibition of discrimination. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) have both clearly indicated that women’s right to health includes their sexual and reproductive health. Visit this website to find UN reports related to sexual and reproductive health rights.

The United Nations Children's Fund is an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. They provide a variety of data on climate change, health, education, gender equality, nutrition, poverty, mortality, and sanitation for countries throughout the world.

As the lead United Nations agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is centred around six core development areas, known as our signature solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy and gender equality.

The UN Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations system made up of 47 States responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe.

The United Nations' work in human rights is carried out by a number of bodies. This website gives an overview of this work along with documentation supporting this work.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights is the principal human rights official of the United Nations. Visit this website for information and reports on a variety of human rights topics.

Learn about different vulnerable peoples and groups on this UN website.

Human rights are basic rights and freedoms. Visit this website from the Canadian government for a basic introduction to human rights.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonprofit civil rights organization. The ACLU works to defend immigrant rights, trans justice, reproductive freedom, and more. Visit the website for a variety of information and reports regarding civil rights.

Amnesty International is an international non-governmental organization focused on human rights. Visit for information on a variety of human rights issues including women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, refugee rights and more.

The Binghamton University Human Rights Institute (HRI) advances research, teaching and community engagement in human rights. Visit their website for a variety of publications and reports.

The Center for Reproductive Rights is a global human rights organization of attorneys and advocates working to ensure reproductive rights are protected in law as fundamental human rights for the dignity, equality, health, and well-being of every person. Visit the site for a variety of resources and research regarding reproductive health and rights worldwide.

The Law Library Microform Consortium (LLMC) is a non-profit cooperative of libraries dedicated to the twin goals of, preserving legal titles and government documents, while making copies inexpensively available digitally through its on-line service LLMC-Digital. Visit this portal for information on a variety of organizations working to support human rights.

GLAAD is a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change. GLAAD works to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation and creates national and local programs that advance LGBTQ acceptance. Visit the website for research and reports regarding LGBTQ+ rights and media advocacy.

GLSEN is an education organization working to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in K-12 schools. Visit the website for a variety of resources and publications.

Human Rights Watch investigates and reports on abuses happening in all corners of the world. Visit the website for a variety of publications and reports regarding human rights including war crimes, LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and more.

The O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law is housed at Georgetown University Law Center and responds to the need for innovative solutions to the most pressing global health concerns. Visit the website to access a variety of health-related and human rights research and publications.

PFLAG is an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization founded and led by friends and family of LGBTQ+ people. Visit the site to find a variety of resources for supporting LGBTQ+ people.

Reproductive Freedom for All organizes and mobilizes our 4 million members to fight for access to abortion, birth control, paid parental leave, and protections from pregnancy discrimination. Visit the site for a variety of information on reproductive rights.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.