Page 19 - Human Rights

Faculty of Nursing
Adult care Nursing Department

1.3.3International Recognition

The concept of international recognition of human rights emerged prominently after the Second

World War, when the global community realized the urgent need to prevent atrocities and protect
human dignity.

The horrors of the Holocaust and the widespread destruction caused by the war highlighted the

importance of establishing universal standards for the treatment of individuals. In 1948, the

United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), marking the first time
in history that a global agreement outlined fundamental rights and freedoms applicable to all

people.

The UDHR set out civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, emphasizing that these rights

are inherent, inalienable, and universal. Following the UDHR, many legally binding treaties were
created, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the

International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

International recognition ensures that human rights are not merely moral ideals but have a global

legal framework that obligates states to respect, protect, and fulfill them. This recognition also
allows individuals and organizations to hold governments accountable for violations, promoting

justice, equality, and the protection of human dignity worldwide.

1.3.4 Expansion Through International Treaties

After the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, the international
community sought to strengthen the protection of human rights through legally binding

agreements. This led to the creation of numerous international treaties and covenants that

specified the obligations of states to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights.

17 Academic Year 2025/2026