International standards

All human rights treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the core international human rights treaties, and related instruments, aim to prevent the violation of human rights.

The principal legal instrument for the prevention of conflict and crisis is the United Nations Charter. Article 55 places the promotion of human rights in the context of “the creation of conditions of stability and well-being which are necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations”. Article 99 permits the Secretary-General to “bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security”. This could include widespread and systematic violations of human rights.

The following instruments also have prominent prevention objectives:

• Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948)
• Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (2002)
• Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law (2005)