Human Rights Treaties

Eritrea and the Human Rights Treaties

Human rights treaties are legally binding agreements between states that establish standards for the protection and promotion of human rights. These treaties are essential frameworks for international law, providing guidelines that nations must adhere to in order to ensure the dignity and fundamental freedoms of individuals within their jurisdictions.

One of the most significant human rights treaties is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Although the UDHR itself is not legally binding, it has inspired numerous binding treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). These covenants expand on the rights outlined in the UDHR, detailing obligations for signatory countries to respect and ensure the rights of their citizens.

Other notable treaties include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which addresses issues of gender discrimination, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which focuses on the rights of minors. Additionally, treaties like the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) further tackle specific human rights issues, ensuring that diverse populations are considered in the human rights landscape.

Enforcing these treaties often involves monitoring bodies established by the treaties themselves. For instance, the Human Rights Committee oversees the ICCPR, while the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights monitors the ICESCR. These committees evaluate reports submitted by member states, suggesting improvements and addressing violations.

Despite their importance, human rights treaties face challenges in enforcement. Many countries ratify treaties without fully implementing them into domestic law, leading to gaps between international commitments and local practices. Additionally, political will is crucial; in some regions, governments may prioritize sovereignty over adherence to international human rights standards, undermining the effectiveness of the treaties.

Nonetheless, human rights treaties play a pivotal role in advocating for global standards, offering a framework for individuals and organizations to hold governments accountable for human rights violations. They provide a legal basis for pursuing justice and fostering international dialogue around human rights issues, serving as essential tools in the ongoing effort to create a more just and equitable world for all.

Eritrea is a party to six out of the nine key human rights treaties:

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) – ratified in 2002

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) - ratified in 2002.

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) - ratified in 1995.

Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) - ratified in 1994.

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) - ratified in 2001.

Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) - ratified in 2005.