Learning Objectives
Human Rights Networks

After studying this unit, you should be able to:

• Understand the UN human rights bodies that complement the treaties;

• Be familiar with the Commonwealth statements and activities related to human rights;

• Be familiar with the regional (African, Inter-American and European) human rights standards and mechanisms.

Introduction and Overview

While there are standards, as explained in Unit 3, these can’t exist alone. There are committees to keep an eye on whether countries are fulfilling the obligations they have committed to themselves, but more is needed at both an international and regional level. Therefore, as explained in this Unit, the United Nations has other human rights bodies and mechanisms to complement the treaties and treaty-bodies. Regional organizations in Africa, Europe and the Americas have charters and conventions, and mechanisms to ensure that they are followed.