International Convention on Human Rights (ICHR)

It is noteworthy that one of these comments comes from Europe and the other from America. Both seem to indicate the expansion of human rights into regional instruments is a threat to domestic rights. Two points in response. First, the expansion of rights does not denigrate existing ones. Think of it like a candle in a room. If I have a candle and I light yours, mine does not give off less light. If Mr. O'Reiley is proud of rights that Americans, and many others, have fought for, then he should also be proud that these rights, like many good ideas, are now circling the globe.

Two, whether it is Europe, or the US, the expansion into regional instruments, particularly economic and social rights rights is in accordance with Article 28 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – regional documents are one prospect to meet the duty to make the rights in the UDHR “fully realized.”