10 institutions that protect Human Rights

Throughout history, nations and civil society itself have used various institutions to ensure the protection and fulfillment of these rights. Then, We will see several of the main institutions that protect Human Rights around the world.

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The main institutions that protect Human Rights

Human rights include the right to life and liberty, not to be subjected or enslaved nor to torture, to freedom of opinion and expression, to education and work, among many others. These rights are inherent to all people, without distinction of race, sex, nationality, ethnic origin, language, religion or any other condition, according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights approved in 1948.

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

1. International Amnesty

This global non-profit organization, present in more than 150 countries, works for the right to truth, justice and reparation for victims of abuse

, such as unfair trials, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial executions or gender-based violence.

In addition, Amnesty International defends the human rights of migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, displaced persons or victims of trafficking. Also to the civilian population in armed conflicts and victims of violence by States and other political and business actors.

This civil organization usually campaigns against torture and ill-treatment, and in favor of the sexual and reproductive rights, against the death penalty and for an effective control of weapons.

2. International Transparency

Transparency International is a non-governmental organization, founded in Germany in 1993, which promotes measures against corporate crimes and political corruption at the international level. It is made up of more than 100 delegations in different countries.

This organization usually publishes every year and 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 poor reliability.

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

3. Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is the institutional figure that is responsible for defending the fundamental rights and public freedoms of citizens, by supervising the activity of public administrations.

In Spain, he is elected by the Congress of Deputies and the Senate, by a three-fifths majority. It is an institution without executive powers, so its strength 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 that is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the world, as well as dealing with situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them.

This body has the ability to discuss all human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. Meets at the United Nations Office in Geneva.

The Council is made up of 47 Member States of the United Nations who 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 and with a presence in more than 190 countries, whose objective is to provide humanitarian aid to children and families in developing countries.

With the Declaration of the Rights of the Child promoted in 1959, UNICEF became an essential agent in responding to the needs of children and protecting their rights. In 1965 he received the Nobel Peace Prize.

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

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6. United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

The UNDP was created in 1958 by the United Nations General Assembly to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of nations and their citizens. Currently, it is present in 178 countries and is the body responsible for implementing the Sustainable Development goals, which include aspects such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, the promotion of peace or justice.

Its priorities are poverty reduction, prevention and recovery from the economic crisis, energy and the environment, information technology or HIV-AIDS. Since 1990, the UNDP has published the report on human development or Human Development Index (HDI), an indicator of the achievements obtained in fundamental aspects of people's development, such as having a long and healthy life, acquiring knowledge and enjoying a life worthy.

7. Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch is a non-profit, non-governmental human rights organization made up of some 400 members from various countries around the world. It was founded in 1978 and is an institution recognized for the rigorous investigation of the facts, the presentation of impartial reporting, effective use of the media, and upholding clear objectives regarding Rights.

This organization opposes basic human rights violations, including capital punishment and sex discrimination. She is also known for her defense of civil liberties and fundamental rights, such as freedom of religion and of the press.

Every year Human Rights Watch presents 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 politics to strengthen democracy; defend the rule of law; and protect human rights around the world.

HRWF tries 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 of its priorities are: to address violations of religious freedom, to denounce trafficking in women for the sexual exploitation or the protection of ethnic and linguistic minorities, as well as the violation of human rights in countries such as China, Korea or 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, information, freedom of opinion and expression, cultural rights and the right to participate in scientific advances and participate in technological and social progress.

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

In education, this body 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 implementation and functioning.

10. International Labor Organization (ILO)

The ILO is an agency of the United Nations, founded in 1919, which handles work and labor relations matters. Its main objectives are: to promote labor rights, promote job opportunities decent, improve social protection and strengthen dialogue to address issues related to job.

Its operation is based on a tripartite structure, in which workers and employers have the same voting rights as governments during the deliberations of their main bodies. Every year, they meet in Geneva to celebrate the International Labor Conference. In 1969, she received the Nobel Peace Prize for his achievements in social justice.

Bibliographic references:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, (p. 5).