Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a historic document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. It is the first comprehensive agreement on the basic principles of human rights, setting the standard for how individuals and nations should treat each other and themselves. The UDHR is considered a foundational document in the field of human rights, providing a framework for international human rights law and serving as a common reference point for the protection of human rights globally.
Overview
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights consists of a preamble and 30 articles. It was drafted by representatives from various countries and adopted unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly. The UDHR is not legally binding, but it has influenced the development of international human rights law and has been incorporated into the domestic laws and constitutions of many countries. It is also the basis for the International Bill of Human Rights, which includes the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
Articles
Preamble
The preamble of the UDHR sets the context and principles of the Declaration, emphasising the inherent dignity and equal rights of all human beings. It recognises that the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world depends on the recognition of the inherent dignity and equal rights of all members of the human family.
Articles 1-2: Human Dignity and Equality
Article 1 states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Article 2 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
Articles 3-11: Life, Liberty, and Security of Person
Articles 3-11 guarantee the right to life, liberty, and security of person. They include the right to recognition as a person before the law, the right to equality before the law, the right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and the right to freedom from slavery or servitude.
Articles 12-17: Privacy, Freedom of Movement, and Asylum
Articles 12-17 protect the rights to privacy, freedom of movement, and asylum. They include the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state, the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution, and the right to a nationality.
Articles 18-21: Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion
Articles 18-21 protect the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. They include the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and the right to take part in the government of one's country.
Articles 22-27: Social and Economic Rights
Articles 22-27 protect social and economic rights. They include the right to social security, the right to work, the right to rest and leisure, the right to an adequate standard of living, the right to education, and the right to participate in cultural life.
Articles 28-30: Rights and Duties, Limits on Rights
Articles 28-30 emphasise that everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in the Declaration can be fully realised. They also state that the rights and freedoms in the Declaration are subject to certain limitations as determined by law.
Legacy
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has had a profound impact on human rights discourse and practice around the world. It has inspired the adoption of numerous international human rights treaties, regional human rights conventions, and national constitutions and laws. The principles and standards of the UDHR continue to guide the work of governments, civil society organisations, and individuals in promoting and protecting human rights.
