The subject of special measures and affirmative action is a very wide area to cover in the limited time provided to me. This note is divided into three main headings in the major portion of the discussion before I conclude. First，I attempt to locate affirmative action and special measures into some international human rights instruments. Then I proceed to examine its application in domestic systems，mainly in the United States of America and in a more recent democracy，South Africa. In the third part I look for some justification and preconditions for special measures and affirmative action before I conclude.