Overview of International Human Rights Treaties and the U.S. Government 



Three human rights treaties have been ratified by and are in force in the U.S.:

1. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - In force 1976.  Ratified by U.S. 1992

2. Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment - In force 1987.  Ratified by U.S. 1994

3. International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination - In force 1969.  Ratified by U.S. 1994.

 

Six human rights treaties not yet ratified by U.S.

1. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights - In force 1976. Not yet ratified by U.S.

2. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women - In force 1981. Not yet ratified by U.S.   (Beth: link to CEDAW story noted in table of contents)    

3. Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) -  In force 1990. Not yet ratified by U.S.

4. Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families -  In force 2003. Not yet ratified by U.S.

5. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - In force 2008. Not yet ratified by U.S.

6. International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance - Adopted by General Assembly 20 December 2006. The treaty will enter into force following the 20th ratification.