Human rights are a pillar of the United Nations that emerged as a formative principle of that body in 1945 and that are evident in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (adopted in 1948) and other subsequent major international instruments affirming the dignity and equality of all. While the United Nations is primarily a stage for member governments to make agreements, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including those comprised of psychologists, can be accredited by two bodies, namely the Economic and Social Council and the Department of Global Communications, to advocate on behalf of their issues. This chapter presents a historical narrative of more than seventy years of engagement by psychologists who represent such NGOs on issues of human rights and social justice. Five sections cover individual psychologists who pioneered interactions with the United Nations; the varied activities and contexts in which psychologists interact with UN bodies; contributions of selected psychology organizations at the United Nations that have been active in the protection and advancement of human rights; new ways psychologists are collaborating in human rights efforts at the United Nations; and challenges and the way forward for such professionals in their contributions to human rights on the world stage.

The chapter outlines how behavioral insights can aid measures to enhance human rights. It introduces the origins of behavioral insights and explains how they can encourage positive behaviors, enhance access to service, and strengthen human rights institutions. The chapter goes on to examine the limitations of behavioural insights and to discuss the ethical implications of their use.