We all have to monitor it. There are laws, both national and international, that limit the freedom of governments to act against their citizens, but if no one points out to them that they are violating international norms by their actions, governments can continue to violate with impunity. Each of us, as individuals, should not only respect the rights of others in our daily lives, but also keep a close eye on the actions of our governments and...
The European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms defines the procedures for dealing with individual complaints. However, the acceptance of cases is subject to strict requirements. For example, before submitting a case to the European Court, you must confirm that your complaint has already been submitted to the national courts of your country (up to the highest instance!). If you want to try, and you believe...
Almost all of the basic human rights listed in international agreements should be enforced by your government, or by government officials. Human rights protect your interests from government infringement, so you must demand them from the government or its representatives. If you believe your rights are being violated by, for example, your employer or neighbor, you cannot directly invoke international human rights laws unless your government has...
Much progress - even if it sometimes seems like a drop in the ocean. Think of the abolition of slavery, the enfranchisement of women, the countries that abolished the death penalty, the release of prisoners of conscience as a result of international pressure, the collapse of apartheid in South Africa, the cases brought before the European Court and the laws changed as a result. Think about the fact that the gradual development of a culture of...