The promise of human rights

Abstract

One of the major achievements of the 20th Century was the development of a rich body of international law affirming the equal rights of all human beings. Building on the foundation of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, numerous conventions, protocols and agreements have affirmed and expanded its principles. But despite the many agreements embraced and treaties ratified, the reality is that in the early 21st century, women and other neglected groups, especially those whose lives are circumscribed by poverty and discrimination, are not able to exercise their fundamental human rights. The next major challenge is fulfilling the promise of human rights.