Describes past and present United Nations activities relative to human rights. Examines legislative accomplishments; supervisory activities for existing conventions; and overall monitoring of the human rights situation throughout the world. Calls for strict implementation of standards and full use of existing mechanisms as a means of ensuring…

Provides a brief history of the development of the United Nations. Identifies achievements of the United Nations in the promotion of human rights, the translation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into binding international covenants, and the establishment of monitoring mechanisms to ensure the protection of human rights. (KO)