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Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a non-binding declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly[39] in 1948, partly in response to the barbarism of World War II. The UDHR urges member nations to promote a number of human, civil, economic and social rights, asserting these rights are part of the "foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world". -
Readoption of the First Geneva Conventions
The First Geneva Convention, for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field, is one of four treaties of the Geneva Conventions. It defines "the basis on which rest the rules of international law for the protection of the victims of armed conflicts." -
Second Geneva Convention
Second Geneva Convention "for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea." -
Third Geneva Convention
Third Geneva Convention "relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War" -
Fourth Geneva Convention
"relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War" (first adopted in 1949, based on parts of the 1907 Hague Convention IV) -
The Immigration and Naturalization Act
The Immigration and Naturalization Act ends the last racial and ethnic barriers to naturalization of aliens living in the United States -
Brown v Board of Education
The United States Supreme Court rules in Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional. -
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UN) are adopted and opened for signature. Together these documents further developed rights outlined in the Universal Declaration for Human Rights. -
American Convention on Human Rights
American Convention on Human Rights (OAS) is adopted. -
Helsinki Accords - Act VII
Act Seven says: Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. -
United States signs the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
United States signs the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. -
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
United States signs the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. -
Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance Based on Religion or Belief
Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance Based on Religion or Belief was adopted after nearly 20 years of drafting -
Convention on the Rights of the Child
United States signs the Convention on the Rights of the Child. -
Mass. Supreme Court allows same-sex marriage to be legal
The state of Mass. becomes the first in the United States to say the banning same-sex marriage is unconstittuional, leading many more states to follow after this event.
