Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents works that explore theoretical concepts of equality and non-discrimination. International human rights law regarding the rights of non-citizens is addressed in detail in the studies and reports by David Weissbrodt for the UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, work that he later developed into his impressive book on the subject. In his next part examining equality as a structural principle of international human rights law, Clifford addresses the definition, scope and interpretation of the principles of equality and non-discrimination, presenting examples from the human rights treaty monitoring bodies' annual reports and jurisprudence. The final part of this volume presents works that explore treaty provisions setting out measures beyond legislation and judicial action that states are to take in order to eliminate discrimination and achieve equality.