Limited acceptance of human rights treaties

International conventions protecting human rights are of no benefit if they are not ratified and implemented by governments. When governments delay the ratification of conventions, or when they fail to implement the provisions of conventions they have ratified, confidence in the ability of the international community to defend human rights everywhere is eroded.

The ratification by the USA (in 1990) of the United Nations Genocide Convention took 40 years, because conservative legislators argued that it was unconstitutional and could be applied against American soldiers who served in Vietnam.

1. Limited acceptance of international treaties
2. Government hypocrisy

1. Non-compliance with international humanitarian law
2. Lack of legal protection for nongovernmental organizations engaged on hazardous duties
3. Government intimidation of governments
4. Government inaction on alleged human rights violations
5. Denial of human rights
6. Bias in United Nations response to human rights
7. Acceptance of violence

1. Lack of international policy on specific issues
2. Internationally non-cooperative governments
3. Connivance of authorities in human rights abuses
4. Conflicting interpretations of universal human rights

1. Strengthening implementation of human rights
2. Providing technical assistance on human rights
3. Informing about human rights issues