10 institutions that protect human rights

A series of organizations responsible for monitoring and enforcing these rights.

Throughout history, nations and civil society itself have used various institutions to ensure the protection and fulfillment of these rights. Below, we will take a look at some of the main institutions that protect and enforce these rights, we will look at some of the main institutions that protect human rights around the world. around the world.

The main institutions that protect human rights

Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, education and work, among many others. These rights are inherent to all persons, without distinction as to race, sex, nationality, ethnic origin, language, religion or any other status, according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948.

Let's see which organizations are in charge of monitoring and controlling the fulfillment of these rights.

Amnesty International

This worldwide non-profit organization, present in more than 150 countries, works for the right to truth, justice and reparation, works for the right to truth, justice and reparation for victims of abuses, such as unfair trials.Amnesty International works for the right to truth, justice and reparation for victims of abuses such as unfair trials, arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial executions and gender-based violence.

Amnesty International also defends the human rights of migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, displaced persons and victims of trafficking. Also civilians in armed conflicts and victims of violence by states and other political and corporate actors.

This civil society organization often campaigns against torture and ill-treatment, for sexual and reproductive rights, against the death penalty and for effective gun control.

Transparency International

Transparency International is a non-governmental organization, founded in Germany in 1993, that promotes measures against corporate crime. promotes measures against corporate crime and political corruption at the international level.. It is formed by more than 100 delegations in different countries.

This organization usually publishes every year since 1995 the Corruption Perception Index, which measures the levels of corruption in the public sector, based on surveys of experts and companies. This index has been criticized for its unreliability.

In Spain, Transparency International began working in 2000 and is currently managed by the José Ortega y Gasset Foundation. At the state level, also has indexes that measure corruption in city councils, autonomous communities and provincial governments..

3. Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is the institutional figure in charge of defending the fundamental rights of the people. is in charge of defending the fundamental rights and public liberties of citizensby supervising the activity of public administrations.

In Spain, he/she is elected by the Congress of Deputies and the Senate, by a three-fifths majority. It is an institution without executive powers, so its power is rather persuasive and political. It has the capacity to issue reports to the Cortes Generales, although they are not binding.

4. United Nations Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council, created in 2006, is an intergovernmental institution of the United Nations charged with strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights around the world, as well as to address and make recommendations on situations of human rights violations.It is also responsible for addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them.

This body has the capacity to discuss all human rights issues and situations requiring its attention throughout the year. It meets at the United Nations Office at Geneva.

The Council is composed of 47 Member States of the United Nations, elected by the General Assembly. which are elected by the United Nations General Assembly. The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

5. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

UNICEF is a United Nations organization based in the United States with a presence in more than 190 countries, whose goal is to to provide humanitarian aid to children and families in developing countries..

With the 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the Child, UNICEF became a key player in meeting the needs of children and protecting their rights. In 1965, it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Among its priorities are helping children and families in areas of extreme poverty in Africa and other parts of the world. UNICEF also works on health, water, sanitation and nutrition programs, as well as promoting education and social participation for children. and social participation of children.

6. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP was created in 1958 by the United Nations General Assembly to contribute to improving the quality of life of nations and their citizens. It is currently present in 178 countries and is the agency responsible for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include issues such as climate change, poverty eradication, gender equality and the empowerment of women.These include aspects such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, the promotion of peace and justice.

Its priorities are poverty reduction, economic crisis prevention and recovery, energy and the environment, information technologies and HIV/AIDS. Since 1990, the UNDP has published the Human Development Report or Human Development Index (HDI), an indicator of achievements in key aspects of people's development, such as having a long and healthy life, acquiring knowledge and enjoying a dignified life.

7. Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch is a non-profit, non-governmental human rights organization with some 400 members from around the world. Founded in 1978, it is recognized for its rigorous fact-finding, impartial reporting, effective use of the media and advocacy of clear rights objectives.

The organization opposes violations of basic human rights, including capital punishment and sexual discrimination.. It is also known for its defense of civil liberties and fundamental rights, such as freedom of religion and freedom of the press.

Each year, Human Rights Watch awards the Human Rights Defenders Award to activists around the world who have demonstrated leadership and courage in defending human rights.

8. Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF)

This non-governmental organization was created in 1989 as a non-profit association in Belgium. Its main objectives are to shape European and international policy to strengthen democracy; uphold the rule of law; and protect human rights worldwide.

HRWF seeks to strengthen the culture of human rights by exchanging information, publishing reports, and organizing seminars and events that educate policy makers and inform the general public.

Other priorities include addressing violations of religious freedom, denouncing the trafficking of women for sexual exploitation and the protection of ethnic and linguistic minorities, as well as human rights violations in countries such as China, Korea and Russia.

9. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

UNESCO is an institution founded in 1945 that promotes human rights and the rule of law, with special emphasis on the right to education, the right to information, freedom of opinion and expression, cultural rights, and the right to participate in scientific progress and to share in technological and social advancement.It promotes human rights and the rule of law, with particular emphasis on the right to education, information, freedom of opinion and expression, cultural rights and the right to participate in scientific advances and to share in technological and social progress.

This organization has a pacifist vocation and, among other issues, particularly supports literacy.

In education, this organization prioritizes the achievement of elementary education adapted to current needs. It also promotes collaboration with teachers, family planners, educational administrators, and encourages the construction of schools and the provision of the necessary equipment for their start-up and operation.

10. International Labor Organization (ILO)

The ILO is an agency of the United Nations, founded in 1919, that is responsible for labor and industrial relations matters.. Its main objectives are to promote labor rights, foster decent work opportunities, improve social protection and strengthen dialogue to address labor-related issues.

Its functioning is based on a tripartite structure, in which workers and employers have the right to participate.It operates on a tripartite structure, in which workers and employers have the same voting rights as governments during the deliberations of its main bodies. Each year, they meet in Geneva for the International Labor Conference. In 1969, it received the Nobel Peace Prize for its achievements in social justice.