Author: Ritu Sharma at Geeta Institute of Law
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritu-sharma-61a382325
To The Point
The United Nations (UN) is the global guardian of human rights, ensuring dignity, equality, and freedom for all. After World War II, the UN was formed in 1945 to prevent future conflicts and protect basic human values. Its landmark document, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted in 1948, sets out 30 fundamental rights, such as the right to life, freedom of speech, education, and protection from torture.
They hold governments accountable, support victims, and respond to crises like war crimes, discrimination, and oppression. The UN stands as a voice for the voiceless, offering hope where justice is denied. While not perfect, it remains a global platform where the rights of individuals are defended beyond borders, reminding us that human dignity has no nationality.
Abstract
The United Nations (UN) was confirmed in 1945 after the destruction of World War II, with a core aim to maintain international peace, security, and to protect human rights. One of its most powerful contributions to humanity is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted in 1948. This document outlines the basic rights and freedoms every person is entitled to, including the right to life, liberty, education, and protection from torture and discrimination.
It serves as a moral and legal foundation for justice worldwide. The UN represents a beacon of hope for millions who face injustice, poverty, war, and oppression. Bodies like the Human Rights Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and treaty-based committees work relentlessly to hold governments accountable and support human rights defenders across the globe. They investigate abuses, issue reports, and push for reforms, even in the face of political resistance.
However, the UN is not without flaws.
Geopolitical pressures, lack of enforcement power, and state sovereignty often hinder its effectiveness. But despite these challenges, the UN remains a global conscience, reminding nations of their obligations and giving a platform to the unheard. Through its humanitarian work, peacekeeping missions, and legal mechanisms, the UN has made a lasting impact on human lives. It pushes for gender equality, protects refugees, champions freedom of expression, and combats racism and violence.
In essence, the UN’s human rights mission is about recognizing the humanity in every person. It is about ensuring that no matter where someone is born, they have the right to live with dignity, safety, and freedom. The UN stands as a symbol of global solidarity, keeping the ideal of universal human rights alive in a complex and divided world.
Use of Legal Jargon
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
Legal meaning: A foundational international document that outlines basic human rights. A global promise that every human being matters, regardless of where they live.
Treaty and Ratification
Legal meaning: A treaty is a formal agreement between countries; ratification is a country’s official approval to follow it. When a country signs and ratifies a treaty, it’s pledging to protect its people’s dignity and insights.
State Party
Legal meaning: A country that has agreed to be bound by a human rights treaty. A pivotal government that has made a legal and moral commitment to its people.
Obligation to Respect, Protect, and Fulfill:
Legal meaning: Governments must not violate rights (respect), stop others from doing so (protect), and take action to ensure rights are real (fulfill). My government should not harm me, should stop others from harming me, and should help me live with dignity.
Non-derogable Rights:
Legal meaning: Rights that cannot be taken away, even in emergencies (e.g., right to life, freedom from torture).Some rights are untouchable
-no excuse, no exception.
Enforcement Mechanisms:
Legal meaning: UN bodies like the Human Rights Council or treaty committees that monitor compliance. Systems that check if my country is keeping its human rights promises.
The Proof
The United Nations (UN) stands for human rights is not found in speeches or documents alone-it’s seen in real-life actions, change, and presence during times of crisis.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
Adopted in 1948, the UDHR is not just paper-it’s a moral compass. It proves that the world agreed people should be treated with dignity, regardless of nationality, race, or status.
Peacekeeping Missions
UN peacekeepers have stepped in to prevent genocide, protect civilians, and maintain peace in conflict zones like Rwanda, South Sudan, and Kosovo. The presence of blue helmets means someone is watching over innocent lives.
Support for Refugees (UNHCR)
The UN Refugee Agency has protected millions displaced by war, climate, and persecution. A refugee child receiving shelter, food, and safety shows the UN’s human rights mission in action.
Accountability for War Crimes
UN tribunals have brought war criminals to justice, such as those responsible for the Bosnian genocide or the Rwandan genocide. Even powerful violators can face trial, giving hope to survivors.
Fighting Discrimination
UN campaigns have promoted gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and protection of indigenous communities. When laws change and voices are amplified, people feel seen and heard.
Case Laws
The case laws are decisions made by courts that interpret and apply human rights principles. The case laws are real stories-of people who suffered injustice, fought back, and found justice with the help of international human rights systems.
Here are some key human rights case laws, explained :
Prosecutor v. Jean-Paul Akayesu (Rwanda Genocide, ICTR)
Legal Fact: First time the UN’s International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda recognized rape as a form of genocide.
A brave step in saying, “Sexual violence in war is not just tragic-it’s a crime, and justice will be served.”
Lopez Ostra v. Spain (1994, European Court of Human Rights)
Legal Fact: A woman won a case after being exposed to toxic fumes due to a waste treatment plant near her home. Itproof that environmental harm can violate basic rights like health and dignity.
Aleksei Navalny v. Russia (2018, ECHR)
Legal Fact: The European Court found Russia guilty of unlawful detention and political persecution. A voice for dissidents-“The world sees you. You are not alone.”
Velasquez Rodríguez v. Honduras (1988, Inter-American Court)
Legal Fact: The court held the state responsible for the disappearance of a student. It recognition that
“Disappearances” aren’t accidents-they are state crimes, and families deserve answers.
Conclusion
The United Nations (UN) is more than a political body-it is a symbol of global conscience and a beacon of hope for those whose rights are denied, voices are silenced, or lives are in danger. Since its formation in 1945, the UN has worked to uphold human dignity through laws, treaties, declarations, and humanitarian efforts. Its message is simple but powerful: every human being is entitled to rights, freedom, and dignity, regardless of nationality, gender, race, or religion.
The creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948 was a revolutionary moment that gave ordinary people a voice in international law. In human eyes, it was the first time the world collectively said, “We care about you. Your life has value.” From then on, the UN has developed mechanisms to protect those rights through bodies like the Human Rights Council, OHCHR, and various international courts.
Through peacekeeping missions, refugee support, and humanitarian aid, the UN proves its commitment on the ground. In war zones, it protects civilians. In times of crisis, it provides food, shelter, and medical care. For victims of injustice, it offers a platform to seek redress. These efforts may not always make headlines, but in human lives, they leave a lasting impact.
Yes, the UN faces criticism-slow responses, limited enforcement power, and political influence often limit its reach.
But in human eyes, its existence still matters. It remains one of the few platforms where the poorest and most vulnerable can be heard, and where even powerful nations can be questioned.
Ultimately, the UN’s role in human rights is not just about law-it’s about humanity. It’s about reminding the world that every child deserves safety, every woman deserves respect, and every individual deserves freedom.
In a world often divided by politics, war, and greed, the UN still holds a mirror to the truth: that peace begins with dignity, and justice begins with rights. the UN is not perfect-but it is necessary. It keeps the dream of universal human rights alive and continues to fight for a world where no one is left behind.
FAQS
What does the United Nations do for human rights?
The UN protects the basic dignity of people around the world. It fights for equality, peace, and justice, and helps those who suffer from war, poverty, or oppression.
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)?
It’s a global promise made in 1948 that says everyone-no matter where they’re born-deserves freedom, fairness, and respect.
Can the UN stop human rights violations?
The UN cannot stop every abuse, but it can investigate, raise global pressure, send peacekeepers, and support victims. It reminds governments: “The world is watching.”
Who makes sure countries follow human rights laws?
UN bodies like the Human Rights Council and treaty committees work to hold governments accountable. They listen to people’s stories and demand justice from those in power.
Is the UN effective in protecting human rights?
It’s not perfect, but it matters. For many, the UN is the only hope when their own country fails to protect them. It brings attention, pressure, and help when it counts.
How does the UN help during wars or disasters?
The UN sends peacekeepers, builds refugee camps, and provides food, water, and medical aid. It shows up when people are most vulnerable.
Can ordinary people ask the UN for help?
Yes, people can send complaints or petitions to UN human rights bodies if their rights are violated. The UN gives a voice to the voiceless.
Why do human rights matter?
Because everyone deserves to live without fear, hate, or injustice. Human rights mean being treated as a human first-with respect, safety, and freedom.
