1945
Emergence and development of women's rights in international human rights law
The United Nations Charter

Issues of women’s rights and equity were affirmed in the preamble to the United Nations Charter and considered to be a requirement for peace and security.

1948
Emergence and development of women's rights in international human rights law
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

This declaration established equality and non-discrimination as the right of every human being.

It also prohibited slavery and servitude, stipulating equality before the law. The declaration affirmed the universal right to nationality and the right to form a family with equal marital rights. Finally, it established the

right of all individuals to hold public office without discrimination.

1952
Emergence and development of women's rights in international human rights law
Convention on the Political Rights of Women

This convention is considered to be the first international agreement which established the equity in political rights between men and women. It calls for citizen rights to political engagement. 

1958
Emergence and development of women's rights in international human rights law
Convention on the Nationality of Married Women

This agreement calls for the State’s commitment to the protect the citizenship rights of women married to men with different nationalities. According to this convention, neither the husband’s change of nationality during the marriage, nor the status of the marriage (existent or dissolved), will affect the nationality of the wife. Furthermore, the wife’s nationality should be protected if the husband decides to acquire another nationality or reject his nationality. 

1964
Emergence and development of women's rights in international human rights law
Agreement of Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage, and Registration of Marriage Contracts

This agreement states that marriage must be based upon the free and full consent of both parties. This consent should be expressed in person and in the presence of the appropriate legal authority. The minimum age of marriage must be legally defined, and all marriages must be legally registered

1966
Emergence and development of women's rights in international human rights law
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

These two covenants affirm the principle of equality and non-discrimination. They call for a government commitment to respect the rights stipulated in the covenants without any discrimination based on color, race, political affiliation, wealth, national or social origin, or religion, among others.

1967
Emergence and development of women's rights in international human rights law
Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women

This declaration represents the first step toward the legislation to prevent discrimination against women. The UN General Assembly officially declares that discrimination against women is a fundamental injustice and a violation of human dignity. It also states that appropriate measures will be taken to abolish existing laws, customs, regulations, and practices that constitute discrimination against women. The UN General Assembly calls for establishing adequate legal protection for the equal rights of men and women, especially in constitutions and laws. Furthermore, it states the need to raise awareness and to eliminate all formal and informal practices that undermine women. Finally, it calls for the appropriate measures to be taken to ensure equal rights between men and women, including the right to vote and to hold public office, the right to acquire the nationality of her husband, and the right to own property, among others.

1979
Emergence and development of women's rights in international human rights law
Convention on the Elimination of All Forums of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

The CEDAW calls for the State’s commitment to ensure that all women enjoy the rights stipulated in the International Bill of Human Rights. It also states the need for equal opportunities between men and women. This convention defines discrimination against women and calls for temporary measures to be taken to expedite the process of ensuring equity and equality between men and women.

1999
Emergence and development of women's rights in international human rights law
The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

This protocol recognizes the capacity of the Special Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women according to Article 17 of CEDAW. The committee has the right to receive complaints from individuals or groups regarding the violation of their rights from their respective states. This protocol also explains the procedures to handle such complaints. 

1993
Emergence and development of women's rights in international human rights law
Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women

The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women included a precise definition of the expression of violence against women, its most important forms and forms, and the basic rights that women should enjoy on an equal basis with men. Urging all states to condemn all forms of violence against women and to take all appropriate measures to eliminate it.

1995
Emergence and development of women's rights in international human rights law
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was issued at the conclusion of the Fourth World Conference on Women, which was held by the United Nations in the Chinese capital, Beijing, in September 1995. Its main objective was to work for equality, development and peace, and the participating delegations prepared a plan of action and strategic goals that contribute to the advancement of women globally to reach To more comprehensive equality and better opportunities for women in all fields.

2000
Emergence and development of women's rights in international human rights law
UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women and Peace and Security

his resolution is the first time that the Security Council has addressed the unique and disproportionate impact of armed conflict on women, as well as recognizing the extent to which women's contributions to conflict resolution and peacebuilding have been neglected. The resolution stressed the importance of women's equal and full participation as an active element in establishing peace and security. It encouraged Member States to prepare their own National Action Plan (NAP) to activate it at the national level.