A history of human rights, and a discussion of all the critical issues now facing the human rights movement. Among the topics considered are: women's struggle for equality; the right to food; the right to religious freedom; the global revolution in the rights of children; and more.

Among the topics the author considers are: women's worldwide struggle for equality; the performance of the United States in adhering to customary international law; the declarations and covenants on human rights issued by the United Nations; the global revolution in the rights of children; the right to food the right to religious freedom; the human rights of prisoners and the legitimacy of the death penalty; protections against torture and other cruel or inhuman treatment; South Africa's and other nations' commissions on truth and reconciliation; As a priest, a lawyer, and a former U.S. Congressman, Father Drinan provides an unflinching appraisal of the human rights movement today and its prospects for the future.