Some relate to particular groups (such as children, women, migrant workers or indigenous peoples and minorities). Others relate to specific rights (such as freedom from discrimination). There are also 'soft law' instruments - these include voluntary international standards and guidelines on human rights.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has identified eight core conventions covering fundamental principles and rights at work. These are part of the Framework of human rights:

    Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87)
    Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98)
    Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29)
    Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105)
    Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)
    Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182)
    Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100)
    Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111)

The International Bill of Human Rights together with the eight ILO core conventions are the most authoritative list of internationally recognized human rights.