The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a historic document that was adopted without dissent by the UN General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948.
- It is a foundational text in the field of human rights and serves as a common standard of achievement for all people and nations.
- The UDHR was drafted in the aftermath of World War II, with the aim of preventing the recurrence of the atrocities and human rights violations that occurred during that period.
- The document begins with a preamble that emphasizes the inherent dignity and equal rights of all members of the human family.
- It recognizes that the disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts that have outraged the conscience of humankind.
- The UDHR consists of 30 articles that articulate a broad range of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
- These rights include the right to life, liberty, and security; freedom from torture and slavery; the right to work and education; and the right to participate in government.
International Recognition
- While the UDHR is not a legally binding treaty, it has served as a foundational document that has influenced the development of international human rights law.
- It has inspired the creation of numerous human rights treaties and conventions.
- The UDHR is considered a milestone in the history of human rights and has been widely endorsed by countries around the world.
- It has been translated into over 500 languages, making it one of the most translated documents in the world.
- December 10th is celebrated annually as Human Rights Day to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
