Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- Historical background -- The United Nations -- The International Bill of Human Rights -- The United Nations organizational structure -- Regional protection of human rights -- Europe -- The organization of american States -- The African union -- Monitoring, implementing, and enforcing human rights -- Substantive rights : general comments -- Equality and non-discrimination -- The right to life -- Freedom from torture; cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment -- The right to liberty of person -- Equality before the law : the right to a fair trial -- The right to self-determination -- Freedom of expression -- The right to work -- The right to education and human rights education -- Minority rights -- Rights for specific categories of persons -- Looking to the future.