9 Core International Human Rights Treaties

1. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)(16dec1966): Focuses on civil and political
rights, such as the right to life, freedom of speech, and the prohibition of torture.
2. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)(16dec1966): Addresses
economic, social, and cultural rights, including the right to work, education, and healthcare.
3. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD)(21dec1965): Aims to
eliminate racial discrimination and promote equal treatment regardless of race or ethnicity.
4. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)(18dec1979):
Seeks to achieve gender equality and protect women’s rights in various areas, including education,
employment, and marriage.
5. Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT):
(10dec1984) Prohibits torture and cruel treatment, and works towards preventing their occurrence.
6. Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)(10nov 1989): Focuses on protecting the rights and well-
being of children, including their right to education, healthcare, and protection from exploitation.
7. International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of
Their Families (ICRMW)(18dec1990): Protects the rights of migrant workers and their families,
addressing issues such as labor rights, nondiscrimination, and access to justice.
8. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)(13dec2006) Promotes and protects
the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring their full inclusion and participation in society.
9. International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED)
(20dec2006) Seeks to prevent enforced disappearances and ensure accountability for those
responsible.
These treaties aim to establish a common framework for promoting and protecting human rights
worldwide.
In conclusion, the nine core international human rights treaties form a vital framework for promoting
and safeguarding human rights across the globe. These treaties cover a wide range of rights and
freedoms, addressing issues such as civil and political rights, economic and social rights, gender
equality, racial discrimination, torture prevention, children’s rights, migrant workers’ rights, disability
rights, and enforced disappearance. By ratifying and adhering to these treaties, countries commit
themselves to upholding the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals, fostering equality, and
working towards a more just and inclusive world.