Human Rights Timeline

By kieran.m08
  • Creation of the United Nations (1945)

    Creation of the United Nations (1945)

    Formed after World War II, the UN aimed to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations, and became a major body for advancing human rights globally.
  • Nuremberg Trials (1945-46)

    Nuremberg Trials (1945-46)

    After World War II, the Allied powers held military tribunals in Nuremberg, Germany, to prosecute prominent Nazi leaders for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide—establishing a precedent for international justice.
  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights

    Universal Declaration of Human Rights

    Adopted by the UN General Assembly, this document outlined fundamental human rights and freedoms to be universally protected.
  • Amnesty International is founded

    Amnesty International is founded

    A global human rights organization that investigates and campaigns against human rights abuses worldwide, especially those involving political prisoners.
  • United States’ Civil Rights Act of 1964

    United States’ Civil Rights Act of 1964

    A landmark U.S. law prohibiting discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, or national origin, advancing civil rights and equality.
  • Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (signed 1965, effective 1969)

    Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (signed 1965, effective 1969)

    This treaty commits nations to eliminate racial discrimination and promote understanding among all races.
  • International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (signed 1966, effective 1976)

    International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (signed 1966, effective 1976)

    This treaty guarantees individual rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and fair trial, forming part of the International Bill of Human Rights.
  • International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (signed 1966, effective 1976)

    International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (signed 1966, effective 1976)

    Complementing the ICCPR, this covenant protects rights related to work, education, health, and an adequate standard of living.
  • Human Rights Watch is founded

    Human Rights Watch is founded

    An independent organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights issues, exposing violations and pressuring governments to change abusive policies.
  • Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (signed 1979, effective 1981)

    Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (signed 1979, effective 1981)

    Known as the “international bill of rights for women,” this treaty focuses on eliminating gender discrimination and promoting women’s equality.
  • Fall of the Berlin Wall

    Fall of the Berlin Wall

    The collapse of the Berlin Wall symbolized the end of the Cold War and the triumph of freedom and democracy over oppression in Eastern Europe.
  • Convention on the Rights of the Child (signed 1989, effective 1990)

    Convention on the Rights of the Child (signed 1989, effective 1990)

    This treaty sets out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of children, recognizing their right to protection and participation.
  • End of Apartheid in South Africa (Early ‘90s)

    End of Apartheid in South Africa (Early ‘90s)

    Marked by the release of Nelson Mandela and democratic elections in 1994, apartheid’s end dismantled institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination.
  • Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (signed 2006, effective 2008)

    Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (signed 2006, effective 2008)

    A major international treaty promoting the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas of life
  • United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

    United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

    This declaration affirms the collective and individual rights of Indigenous peoples, including self-determination, land, and cultural preservation.