Syllabus Revision Program by Islami Jamiat Talaba,
For Batch 19-24 and 20-25,
Punjab University Law College
Subject: Political Science (Part 1)
Topic no. 7
UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF
HUMAN RIGHTS (UDHR)
Introductory Notes:
The universal declaration of human rights is an international document adopted by the “United Nations
General Assembly” that enshrines the rights & freedoms of all human beings. It was accepted by the
general assembly as “Resolution 217” at its third session on December 10, 1948 in Paris, France. Of the
58 members of the United Nations at that time, 48 voted in favor & none against.
Considered a foundational & substantial text in the history of human & civil rights, the declaration
consists of 30 articles detailing an individual’s “Basic Rights & Fundamental Freedoms”. It was affirmed
that it will be inherent, inalienable and applicable to all human beings. It directly inspired the
development of international human rights law.
Drafted by representatives with different legal & cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, it
stands out as a common standard of achievements for all people & nations.
What is UDHR?
It is a document proclaimed for universal protection of human rights. It has been translated into more
than 350 languages worldwide & more than a hundred African languages.
The full text of 30 articles in English can be easily read out in its landmark document.
What does UN Means?
It is an international organization formed in 1945, after two world wars it was felt that there is a dire need
for an international platform to increase political and economic cooperation among states.
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What is UN’s Function?
It is an international organization designed to make the enforcement of international laws, security &
economic development.
Meaning According to Oxford Dictionary:
“Basic freedom that all people should have”.
Human Rights in Broader Sense:
The term human right is used to denote a broad to denote a broad spectrum of rights, ranging from the
right to life to the right to a cultural identity.
Everyone should have rights being human.
Should be deemed entitled to virtue.
Human rights exist as long as humans exist.
Two Broader Categories of Human Rights:
Two broader categories of human rights are:
1. Civil and political rights
2. Social-economic and cultural rights
1. Civil and Political Rights:
Civil and political rights that protect individual’s freedom from infringement by governmental social
organizations and private individuals. They ensure one’s entitlement to participate in the civil and
political life of society and state without discrimination or repression.
2. Social-Economic & Cultural Rights:
Economic, social and cultural rights are socio-economic human rights, such as the right to education, right
to housing, right to an adequate standard of living, right to health and right to science & culture.
What is the Aim of Human Rights?
The aim of human rights is human dignity & human equality. Human rights can be understood defining
them as basic standards which are necessary for a life of dignity; and their universality is derived from the
fact that in this respect, at least, all humans are equal.
The Aim of Human Rights is to Give:
Freedom:
Human will, is an important part of human dignity. To be forced to do something against someone’s will
demeans individuality and human spirit. Human rights’ basis starts from freedom.
Respect to Others:
It is a basic need to live a life of dignity and peace.
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Non-discrimination:
People’s rights and opportunities should not be judged on the basis of their characteristics.
Justice:
Humanity deserves fair treatment. Without justice, there is sheer imbalance & violence in society.
Without justice, aim of human rights cannot be attained.
Responsibility:
Another’s right is responsibility and duty of an individual. UDHR focuses on civil, social, economic
rights.
Who is Father of Human Rights?
Professor Henkin was one of the dignified figures in post-world war 2. He was a teacher in a law school.
Another leader who is considered the father of UDHR Monsieur Rene’ Cassin, a French-Jewish jurist,
law professor and judge.
Types of Human Rights:
1. Rights which are essential for dignified & decent human existence.
Right to food
Right to shelter
Right to clothing
2. Rights which are essential for adequate development of human personality.
Freedom of expression
Freedom of education
What are the Characteristics of Human Rights?
Human Rights are inalienable:
This means you cannot lose them, because they are linked to the very fact of human existence,
they are inherent to all human beings.
Human Rights are Indivisible, Interdependent and Interrelated:
This means that different human rights are intrinsically connected and cannot be viewed in
isolation from each other. The enjoyment of a right depends on enjoyment of many other rights
and no one right is more important than the rest.
Human Rights are Universal:
This means that they apply equally to all people everywhere in the world, and with no time limit.
Every individual is entitled to enjoy his/her rights without distinction of race or ethnic
background, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, language, religion, political or other
opinion, national or social origin, birth or other status.
“Just as pain is not agreeable to you, it is so with others. Knowing this principle of equality treat
with others with respect & compassion”.
(Saman Suttam)
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Promise of UDHR Vienna Convention:
It set out that human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated and committed to
promote and protect all human rights for all people regardless of their political, economic and cultural
systems.
Why are Human Rights Important?
Human rights are important as they embody key values in our society such as fairness, dignity, equality,
& respect.
They are important means of protection for us all, especially those who may face abuse, neglect and
isolation. These rights give us power and enable us to speak up and to challenge poor treatment from a
public authority.
Articles of Human Rights:
There are 30 articles of human rights. Some of which are listed below.
Article 1:
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity & rights. They are endowed with reason and
conscience and should act towards one another in the spirit of brotherhood.
Article 2:
Everyone is entitled to all rights & freedoms in declaration without distinction of any kind, such as race,
color, sex, language, religion, political and other opinions national or social origin, property, birth or other
status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of political, jurisdiction or international
status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it is independent, trust, non-self-
governing, or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
Article 3:
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and the security of the person.
Article 4:
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude. Slavery & slave trade shall be prohibited in all forms.
Article 5:
No one shall be subjective to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 6:
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before law.
Article 7:
All are equal before law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are
entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this discrimination and any
incitement to such discrimination.
Article 8:
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by competent national tribunals for acts violating the
fundamental rights granted by him by the constitution of law.
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Article 9:
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Final Analysis:
The development of state institutions to promote & protect human rights is a critical safeguard to ensure
that people can obtain recourse and redress in the face of injustice.
Team Head: M. Bilal Khan
Project Head: Maher Ibtisam Elahi
