Washington, DC., 12 August 2025 ——
Human rights are the basic freedoms and protections that belong to every individual, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or background. While many nations have made significant strides in promoting global human rights, millions around the world continue to face discrimination, persecution, starvation, and violence.
Promoting global human rights is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for fostering peace, justice, and sustainable development. It is a task that requires the unified efforts of governments, civil society, international organizations, and individuals alike. When people are denied their basic rights, it undermines social cohesion, breeds conflict, and perpetuates poverty and inequality.
In today’s interconnected world, violations of human rights in one country can have ripple effects across borders, influencing global stability and security. Refugee crises, human trafficking, and armed conflicts often stem from or are exacerbated by the erosion of human rights.
The UN: A Global Watchdog
The UN has played a central role in the international promotion and protection of human rights. Its efforts to advocate for human dignity, equality, and justice have been pivotal in the establishment of global norms and frameworks for human rights. Over the years, the UN has become the primary global institution responsible for standard-setting, monitoring, and holding governments accountable for human rights practices. However, while the UN’s contributions to human rights are undeniable, its effectiveness in achieving its goals has been a subject of intense debate, especially considering the complex political, economic, and social challenges it faces.
Enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted in 1948, this framework includes the right to life, freedom of expression, access to education, freedom from torture, and the right to participate in government, among others. Though not legally binding, the UDHR has shaped the moral and ethical foundation for human rights law across the globe.
Beyond the UDHR, the UN human rights advocacy has been advanced through several key institutions. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is at the heart of the UN’s human rights efforts, promoting and protecting human rights globally through advocacy, technical assistance, and research. The OHCHR works with governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to advance human rights in line with international standards.
The Human Rights Council (HRC) plays a critical role in addressing human rights violations through periodic reviews of states’ human rights records, the establishment of special rapporteurs, and the investigation of alleged abuses. The HRC’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, which assesses the human rights situations in all 193 member states, is a valuable tool for promoting accountability.
Monitoring Human Rights
One of the most important roles is monitoring human rights situations around the world. This is done through both formal and informal mechanisms. Special Rapporteurs and Independent Experts are UN-appointed, independent human rights experts to monitor specific human rights issues or the human rights situation in particular countries. These experts can issue reports, make recommendations, and even visit countries to investigate human rights violations. Their work often brings attention to violations that might otherwise go unnoticed.
In conflict zones and countries with serious human rights concerns, the UN deploys peacekeeping and Human Rights Monitoring Missions. These missions, often in collaboration with regional organizations, help document human rights abuses, offer protection to vulnerable groups, and provide humanitarian assistance.
The UN produces a wealth of documentation on global human rights issues. Regular reports from the OHCHR, the Special Rapporteurs, and the Human Rights Council’s investigations contribute to a global record of human rights abuses, which can serve as a basis for international diplomacy, advocacy, and sometimes even sanctions.
While the UN’s human rights monitoring system is robust, it faces challenges in ensuring that violations are addressed quickly and effectively, especially when powerful member states are involved. Additionally, some countries may refuse to cooperate with UN investigations or may fail to implement the recommendations provided by the UN bodies.
Setting Universal Standards
The UN has been instrumental in the creation of international human rights law and setting universal standards for how governments should treat their citizens. One mechanism is a series of human rights treaties. These treaties, when ratified, legally bind states to uphold the human rights standards they outline. Through these mechanisms, the UN has played a crucial role in raising global awareness and establishing an international legal framework for the protection of human rights.
The International Criminal Court (ICC), while not directly a UN body, was established under the sponsorship of the UN and plays a critical role in prosecuting individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of aggression, and genocide – often referred to as atrocity crimes. The ICC is a key part of the global human rights infrastructure, holding individuals accountable for egregious violations of international law.
The UN General Assembly and the Security Council pass resolutions that help to establish international human rights norms. These resolutions can set precedents in terms of how the international community reacts to issues like ethnic cleansing, child labor, or the rights of refugees. Through these efforts, the UN has significantly shaped the development of global human rights law, creating a system that holds states accountable and encourages the protection of fundamental rights worldwide.
Challenges and Limitations to Human Rights
Despite international agreements and legal frameworks, human rights abuses persist in many forms. Authoritarian regimes are silencing dissent and curbing freedom of the press. There is discrimination and marginalization based on race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Systematic inequalities persist that prevent access to healthcare, education, and fair labor conditions. Conflicts and war continue to displace millions and lead to mass atrocities. Emerging technologies and digital platforms present new human rights challenges, including violations, surveillance, and online hate speech.
The UN also faces several significant challenges in promoting human rights globally. Human rights efforts can be significantly undermined by the geopolitical interests of powerful member states. The veto power held by the five permanent members of the Security Council (the US, Russia, China, the UK, and France) often means that human rights violations in their own countries or allied states are overlooked, or action is blocked. This has been evident in instances where the UN has failed to act decisively in response to human rights abuses in Syria, Myanmar, China, and Gaza.
One of the most glaring limitations is the lack of enforcement powers. While it can pass resolutions, issue sanctions, and condemn abuses, the UN cannot always compel states to comply with its recommendations or obligations. This has often led to frustration, particularly when states refuse to take responsibility for human rights violations.
Even when the UN successfully raises awareness and sets standards, the implementation of human rights frameworks is inconsistent. Countries may sign treaties or resolutions, but their failure to take meaningful action to enforce their commitments is limited by financial resources, political will, and the often-complicated legal processes involved.
Moving Forward Together
Holding governments and individuals accountable for human rights violations is essential. International bodies like the International Criminal Court and the UN Human Rights Council play critical roles, but they need greater support and cooperation from member states.
Journalists, activists, and NGOs often face intimidation and violence for their work. Providing them with legal protection, funding, and platforms to share their work can amplify their impact and ensure their safety. Education is a powerful tool in the promotion of human rights. Teaching individuals, especially youth, about their rights and the importance of respect, equality, and justice helps build more inclusive societies. Businesses also have a responsibility to respect human rights, both in their operations and their supply chains. Ethical practices, transparency, and corporate social responsibility can contribute to positive change.
Promoting human rights globally is not a one-time campaign. It is an ongoing commitment to humanity. Every person can contribute to the human rights movement. Speaking out against injustice, supporting organizations that promote human rights, and making informed choices as consumers all play a part. It requires courage, cooperation, and compassion. While the challenges are vast, so too are the opportunities for progress. By standing together and upholding the principles of dignity, equality, and justice, we can build a world where human rights are not just an ideal, but a lived reality for all.
Photo credit: Human Rights Council – 14th Session by UN Geneva. Licensed under CC BY NC ND 2.0
Lara Kajs is the founder and executive director of The Genocide Report, an NGO nonprofit organization in Washington, DC. She is the author of Beyond the Veil: Afghan Women and Girls’ Journey to Freedom (forthcoming), Assad’s Syria, and Stories from Yemen: A Diary from the Field, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, and independent bookstores worldwide. Distributed by Ingram. Ms. Kajs frequently speaks about atrocity crimes, forced displacement, state terrorism, and International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Follow and connect with Lara Kajs on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.