ABSTRACT
Few would dispute that the evolution of a distinct law on human rights has been one of the most significant developments in public international law in the years since 1945. It is fashionable to date this development from either the United Nations Charter (1945) or the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights (1948); however, the impetus for the establishment and maintenance of minimum standards can, in fact, be traced back much further. However, it is possible to observe a marked increase in human rights law on the international plane while at the same time noting significant developments at the regional level. It is proposed in this chapter to deal with the former aspect while in the following chapter to consider the development of regional systems.
