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Canada’s suffrage movement, led by activists like the Famous Five, fought for women’s right to vote and hold office. Manitoba became the first province to grant women the vote on Jan 28, 1916. Women gained the federal vote in 1918. The Famous Five later won the Persons Case (Oct 18, 1929), ruling women were legally “persons” eligible for the Senate. Through protests, petitions, and public campaigns, the famous five argued that women’s voices were essential in shaping a fair and equal society. -
The UN was created after WWII on Oct 24, 1945 to prevent conflict and promote peace, security, and human rights. It replaced the League of Nations and began with 51 members. Its Charter set goals of cooperation and human rights protection and led to bodies like the General Assembly and Security Council. The UN paved the way for the UDHR (1948) and modern human rights law. -
Held in Nuremberg, Germany, these trials prosecuted top Nazi leaders for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Led by the Allied Powers, the trials began Nov 20, 1945 and ended Oct 1, 1946; 12 defendants were executed, 7 were acquitted and 3 imprisoned. The principles established became the foundation for international criminal law and later tribunals in Rwanda, Yugoslavia, and the creation of the ICC. -
Led by Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, India used non-violent resistance (Satyagraha)—like the Salt March (1930) and Quit India Movement (1942)—to oppose British rule. After WWII weakened Britain and increased pressure for decolonization, the Indian Independence Act was passed. India achieved independence on Aug 15, 1947, showing that mass peaceful resistance could overturn colonial rule. -
Adopted on Dec 10, 1948, the UDHR was the first global statement saying all people deserve the same basic rights. Drafted under Eleanor Roosevelt, it contains 30 articles covering equality, freedom, safety, and justice. Though not legally binding, it inspired more than 60 treaties—including the ICCPR and ICESCR—and remains the foundation of international human rights standards. -
Founded in 1961 by Peter Benenson, Amnesty fights for prisoners of conscience and exposes global human rights abuses. It campaigns for fair trials, freedom of expression, and against torture and the death penalty. Its advocacy has freed many political prisoners and earned the 1977 Nobel Peace Prize. -
Signed into law on July 2, 1964, this landmark U.S. legislation banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It ended legal segregation in schools, workplaces, and public facilities and created the EEOC to enforce fair employment. It marked a major victory of the Civil Rights Movement and helped inspire future equality movements, led by inspirational figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. -
Adopted in 1965, the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination requires states to outlaw racial discrimination, segregation, and hate speech. Countries must promote equality and report progress to the CERD Committee. While enforcement relies on global pressure, ICERD has shaped anti-racism laws worldwide. -
Adopted in 1966 by the United Nations , the ICCPR protects rights such as life, free speech, religion, fair trial, and freedom from torture and slavery. A Human Rights Committee reviews state actions and individual complaints, issuing recommendations. It forms part of the International Bill of Human Rights. The committee’s role is to examine the complaints and make non-binding “views” and recommendations. -
Paired with the ICCPR, this treaty guarantees economic, social, and cultural rights—like fair wages, housing, food, health care, and education. It was adopted by the UN General assembly in 1966. It entered into force in 1976 and is monitored by the CESCR. Violations lead to international criticism and pressure for reform. For example, forcibly evicting someone could result in a decreased quality of life for citizens as well as international scrutiny from the state. -
The modern LGBTQ+ rights movement began after the Stonewall Riots on June 28, 1969, when police raids sparked mass resistance in New York. The movement fought discrimination and expanded rights in marriage, employment, and healthcare, becoming the foundation of global LGBTQ+ activism. -
Created in 1978 from Helsinki Watch, HRW investigates global abuses, including war crimes, discrimination, and political repression. Through reporting and advocacy, it pressures governments to follow international law and protect human rights. -
The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 by the East German government to prevent people from fleeing a communist East Berlin. On Nov 9, 1989, East Germany opened the border after mass protests and political reforms. Crowds dismantled the Berlin Wall, ending decades of Cold War division and paving the way for German reunification and democratic change across Eastern Europe. -
Adopted in 1979, CEDAW is often called the international bill of rights for women. It requires states to end discrimination in education, work, politics, health, and family life. Countries must report progress to the CEDAW Committee. CEDAW has influenced major legal and policy reforms worldwide. Although enforcement relies on international pressure, CEDAW has driven major legal reforms and created greater representation worldwide. -
Adopted on Nov 20, 1989, the CRC recognizes children as independent rights holders. It sets standards for protection, education, health, and participation, and requires states to report progress. It is the most widely ratified human rights treaty. It recognizes children as independent rights holders deserving of protection and participation. -
After decades of segregation and global pressure, South Africa held its first multiracial election on Apr 27, 1994. Nelson Mandela became president, ending apartheid and establishing a constitution based on equality, dignity, and democracy. -
Adopted on Dec 13, 2006, the CRPD reframed disability as a human rights issue. It guarantees accessibility, inclusion, education, employment, and equal legal recognition. States must eliminate discrimination and report to the CRPD Committee. While enforcement depends on international oversight and pressure, the CRPD has led to stronger disability laws, greater social inclusion, and improved global awareness of disability rights. -
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the General Assembly in 2007. It is a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of the Indigenous peoples of the world, and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of Indigenous. UNDRIP is not legally binding under international law; however, it carries strong moral and political authority. -
The Black Lives Matter movement began in 2013 after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin, started by activists Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi. It calls for an end to racism, police brutality, and systemic inequality against Black communities. The movement gained global attention in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis. Protests erupted across the US over 60 countries, demanding police reform and racial equality. -
The MeToo Movement went global in Oct 2017 after allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. The phrase “MeToo” was first coined by activist Tarana Burke in 2006 to support survivors of sexual violence. Millions shared experiences of harassment and assault once the hashtag #MeToo went viral. This lead to firings, legal reforms, and major shifts in workplace and public attitudes toward gender-based violence.