Universal declaration of human rights at its 60th anniversary: substantial achievements, but the promise remains unfulfilled to many
The declaration has become a beacon for the development of international law, the institution of universal human rights mechanisms and procedures and a primary instrument for those who struggle for dignity.
Nevertheless, the promise of the Universal Declaration has yet to be fully realised.
“Despite the burgeoning of a culture of human rights in parts of the world, major objectives of the Universal Declaration remain unfulfilled, as the efforts to implement human rights have left many men and women behind”, said Lukas Machon, ICJ Representative to the UN.
UN-Universal declaration of human rights at its 60th anniversary-news-2008 (full text, PDF)
“Rights Work” conference, Stockholm: ICJ intervention on systematic work for human rights implementation
At the Conference on Systematic Work for Human Rights Implementation, the ICJ underscored the civil society’s dual role in terms of assessment of implementation of human rights norms as well as assistance to States in this regard.
According to the ICJ, the development of international norms has not been accomplished once and forever.
As an example, it pointed to a need to develop norms to extend the obligations to respect and ensure human rights also to businesses. On the other hand, the UN Universal Periodic Review and the system of treaty monitoring bodies should play a more meaningful role to help States ensure full compliance with human rights standards.
ICJ Intervention on Systematic Work for Human Rights Implementation-Events-2008 (full text, PDF)
The HRC fails to respond to crises in Sudan, Zimbabwe and Georgia
The ICJ today reminded the international community and in particular the Member States of the Human Rights Council of their responsibility to meaningfully respond to human rights violations in individual countries.
The Human Rights Council gradually loosens its grip-Press releases-2008 (full text, PDF)
ICJ makes public report on corporate complicity in international crimes
Today, the ICJ made public the final report of the Expert Legal Panel on Corporate Complicity in International Crimes.
The Panel was set up in 2006 to explore when companies and their officials could be held legally responsible under criminal and/or civil law when they are involved with other actors in gross human rights abuses. The report, comprising three volumes, addresses corporate complicity from the angles of criminal law, the law of civil responsibility and public policy.
ICJ makes public report on Corporate Complicity in International Crimes-Press releases-2008 (full text, PDF)
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