Pacific Sub Regional Centre: Governance in the Pacific

International human rights instruments

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the foundation of the international human rights system.  Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, it states that all "human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights" and it is the cornerstone of the international human rights treaty system. 

The UDHR includes civil, political ,economic, social and cultural rights, and affirms the equal rights of all men and women. While there remains debate about whether the UDHR has become binding international law, the seven core international human rights treaties that have been developed based on the principles contained in the UDHR, are legally binding on States parties that have chosen to ratify those treaties.  The UDHR and the human rights treaties together set out the international standards for the protection and promotion of Human Rights. 

Each State decides voluntarily to ratify a human rights treaty, and when it does, it has the obligation to implement the substantive provisions of the treaty at the national level. States parties are under an obligation to submit regular reports to the relevant treaty body on how the rights contained in the treaty are being implemented.

Each Pacific island country has ratified at least one international human rights treaty.  To verify which of the  seven core international instruments have been signed and/or ratified by Pacific Island countries, click below:

• Status of ratifications and reservations of the international instruments by the Pacific Island countries.
• Status of country reporting (by treaty)