Discuss the role the United Nations has played in ensuring victims’ rights for all people. How has the United Nations influenced the victims’ rights in the United States? What specific legislation and/or policies have been established as a result of the Declaration of Human Rights?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945, as an intergovernmental organization, committed to promoting peace, security, and strengthening of friendship between nations. The UN began with 50 countries, known as member states, which signed the Charter of the UN detailing the organizations purposes and principles, which include helping solve economic, social, and humanitarian problems. One of the most significant international documents the UN prompted was the Declaration of the Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power. The declaration resulted from the reemergence of the victim and the recognition that the criminal justice system needed to evolve and adapt to the increasing need for safety and the well-being of victims. Globally, it was the work of many individuals, organizations, governments, and international bodies that fought to restore the plight of victims into the legal system and improve the quantity and quality of assistance available to victims. The idea for the declaration was to create national and international standards for how victims of crime needed to be treated in the criminal justice system. The declaration also provides recommendations on measures to be taken on behalf of victims to improve access to justice, fair treatment, restitution, compensation and assistance. It, too, outlines steps to assist to prevent victimization linked to abuse of power and to provide remedies for the victims. After 31 years, the declaration is still a fundamental document and recognized as the “Magna Carte of victims’ rights.” The principles the document contains form the basis of all local and international protocols on victims’ rights.