18 named examples with their significance, drawn from the Panther database. Read them, then test yourself.
In test mode, tap an example to reveal why it matters.
The examples
Bangladesh factory collapse (2012)(tap to reveal)- The Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh in 2013 killed over 1,100 garment workers producing clothing for major Western brands.
International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966)(tap to reveal)- Expanded UDHR into legally binding covenants. Established International Bill of Human Rights setting international standards for state behavior.
MNC exploitation(tap to reveal)- MNCs frequently relocate production to countries with low wages and weak regulations, exploiting workers and avoiding environmental standards.
MSF and NGO Humanitarian Action in Conflict Zones(2015)(tap to reveal)- MSF operates in 70+ countries. Rejected formal UN mandate to maintain independence. Bombed in Kunduz, Afghanistan (2015) by US forces. Shows NGO independence can conflict with state interests and limits of humanitarian neutrality.
UN Charter (1945)(tap to reveal)- Founding charter of United Nations establishing "universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction." Established international human rights regime.
UNHCR and the Global Refugee Crisis (2015-present)(2023)(tap to reveal)- 100m+ displaced persons globally (2023). UNHCR mandate vs state sovereignty over borders. EU externalisation of borders (Libya, Rwanda plans). Shows tension between human rights norms and state sovereignty in practice.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)(tap to reveal)- Adopted by UN General Assembly in 1948. First internationally agreed statement of civil, political, and social freedoms. Based on "inherent dignity" of all humans. Formed basis of global human rights law.
Abu Ghraib(tap to reveal)- Photographs revealed in 2004 showed US soldiers torturing and humiliating Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison.
Amnesty International and Universal Human Rights (1961 to present)(1961-present)(tap to reveal)- Amnesty International, founded 1961, has over 10 million members in 150 countries. It documents abuses, lobbies governments, and has contributed to the creation of the ICC and to the release of hundreds of prisoners of conscience.
Bangkok Declaration (1993)(tap to reveal)- Declaration by Asian states claiming communal rights more important than individual rights. Reflects Confucian, Buddhist, Islamic traditions emphasizing family, duty, authority over individual freedom.
Cairo Declaration (1990)(tap to reveal)- The 1990 Cairo Declaration by Islamic states stated that human rights are subject to Islamic Sharia law, qualifying acceptance of universal rights standards.
Cambodia Tribunal: Khmer Rouge Convictions (2018)(tap to reveal)- The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) was established to try Khmer Rouge leaders for the genocide of approximately 2 million people (25% of Cambodia's population) between 1975 and 1979. Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan were convicted of genocide in 2018, almost 40 years after the crimes.
Charles Taylor prosecution(tap to reveal)- Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia, was convicted in 2012 by the Special Court for Sierra Leone for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Chechnya(tap to reveal)- Russia fought two wars against Chechen separatists between 1994 and 2009, with documented human rights abuses and significant civilian casualties.
China and the Uyghur Crisis: Powerful States and HR Impunity (2017-)(tap to reveal)- Since 2017, China has detained over 1 million Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang in mass internment camps. Evidence of forced sterilisation, forced labour, and cultural erasure has been widely documented by UN bodies, NGOs, and Western governments. Several states (including the US and UK) have described it as genocide. China rejects the framing and uses 'Asian values' and counter-terrorism arguments to deflect criticism.
Extraordinary rendition(tap to reveal)- Following 9/11, the US practice of extraordinary rendition involved secretly transferring suspects to countries where they could be tortured outside US legal constraints.
Gaza, UN Security Council Vetoes, and R2P (2023-25)(2023)(tap to reveal)- US vetoed multiple UNSC ceasefire resolutions. ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leaders. Shows double standards in R2P application and limits of international law when P5 members are involved.
Geneva Conventions (1864, updated 1949)(tap to reveal)- Series of international agreements establishing standards for humane treatment of wounded soldiers, medical personnel, and civilians in armed conflict. Originated in 1864 and significantly updated in 1949 after WWII.