ABSTRACT
The Charter of the United Nations (UN) represents a very important landmark in the development of international human rights. The characterization of human rights as international must be understood in a particular political, social, or cultural context. This chapter discusses the nature of human rights and the measures that have been taken at the international level to protect those rights. The emergence of human rights on the international plane represents one of the most significant developments in international law and international relations. The UN General Assembly designated 1993 as the International Year for the World's Indigenous Peoples. The UN Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities has been formed, and it has highlighted the plight of indigenous peoples. Although international law has busied itself with the protection of human rights, it is still under municipal law that enforcement would be most effective.
