Contemporary human rights law dates from the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Since then, a number of multilateral treaties have been adopted by international bodies, such as the United Nations, Council of Europe, Organization of American States, and the Organization of African Unity. Although customary norms exist in the area of human rights, treaties adopted by these bodies form the core of modern human rights law.
The purpose of this guide is to provide links to electronic sources you may use to study human rights treaties. For commentary about human rights treaties, use Human Rights Law - Secondary Sources. To research case law arising under the treaties, us Human Rights Law - Case Reports.
