universal-rights

Arbitrary imprisonment, torture, and the denial of basic human rights, like the right to speak, practice a religion, or participate in the political and social life of one's country without fear of reprisal from overzealous government officials, are routine problems that occur in every part of the world. Although most countries are parties to the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, and have signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, these rights are often unenforceable and the victims powerless.

In some countries, like the United States, limited mechanisms exist to hold government officials responsible for certain types of violations. Otherwise, victims must turn to international bodies like the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, or the Human Rights Comission of the Organization of American States. It's not necessary to exhaust domestic remedies before petitioning one of these groups, and this can provide an alternative and parallel track to domestic proceedings.

We are interested in bringing these kinds of cases, particularly where the violations are severe and systematic, and where many people have been affected.

Copyright Paul Wolf, 2008. All Rights reserved.