Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR)
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone
document in the history of human rights, adopted by the United Nations
General Assembly on December 10, 1948. It was created in response to
the atrocities of World War II and aims to establish a common standard of
fundamental rights and freedoms for all people, regardless of nationality,
race, gender, or background.
Key Aspects of the UDHR
1. Universal & Inalienable – The rights apply to every person
everywhere and cannot be taken away.
2. Interdependent & Indivisible – All rights are equally important and
interconnected.
3. Non-Discriminatory – The declaration applies to all people without
discrimination.
4. Legal & Moral Influence – While the UDHR itself is not legally
binding, it has influenced many international treaties, national laws,
and constitutions.
Structure of the UDHR
The declaration consists of a preamble and 30 articles, which outline civil,
political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
Key Articles
Articles:
Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
1. Right to Equality – All human beings are born free and equal in
dignity and rights.
2. Freedom from Discrimination – Everyone is entitled to rights without
discrimination.
3. Right to Life, Liberty, and Security – Every person has the right to life,
freedom, and safety.
4. Freedom from Slavery – No one shall be held in slavery or servitude.
5. Freedom from Torture – No one shall be subjected to torture or cruel,
inhuman treatment.
Legal Protections
6. Right to Recognition as a Person Before the Law – Every person has
legal identity.
7. Right to Equality Before the Law – All are equal before the law.
8. Right to Justice – Everyone has the right to legal protection and
remedy.
9. Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest, Detention, or Exile – No one shall be
unlawfully arrested or exiled.
10. Right to a Fair and Public Trial – Everyone is entitled to an impartial
trial.
11. Presumption of Innocence – A person is innocent until proven guilty.
Civil and Political Rights
12. Right to Privacy – Protection against arbitrary interference in private
life.
13. Freedom of Movement and Residence – Right to move within and
leave one’s country.
14. Right to Seek Asylum – Right to seek refuge from persecution.
15. Right to Nationality – Right to a nationality and to change it.
16. Right to Marry and Found a Family – Equal rights in marriage and
family life.
17. Right to Own Property – Right to own property without arbitrary
deprivation.
Freedom of Thought and Expression
18. Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion – Right to belief and
practice.
19. Freedom of Opinion and Expression – Right to express opinions
freely.
20. Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association – Freedom to gather and
associate.
21. Right to Participate in Government – Right to vote and take part in
governance.
Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
22. Right to Social Security – Protection through social welfare and
assistance.
23. Right to Work and Fair Conditions – Right to work, fair wages, and
unions.
24. Right to Rest and Leisure – Right to reasonable working hours and
rest.
25. Right to an Adequate Standard of Living – Access to food, clothing,
housing, and healthcare.
26. Right to Education – Free and accessible basic education.
27. Right to Participate in Cultural Life – Right to enjoy arts, science, and
culture.
Final Provisions
28. Right to a Social and International Order – Rights must be protected
globally.
29. Duties to the Community – Rights come with responsibilities to
others.
30. Freedom from State or Group Suppression – No one can take away
these rights.
Impact of the UDHR
It has influenced many human rights treaties, such as the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and
the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights (ICESCR).
It serves as a foundation for human rights organizations, such as
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
It has shaped national laws and constitutions around the world.
The UDHR remains a powerful symbol of global commitment to human
rights, guiding international efforts to promote dignity, freedom, and
justice for all.
