The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, as a response to the atrocities committed during World War II. The UDHR proclaims the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, regardless of their nationality, race, gender, religion, or any other status.
The declaration consists of a preamble and 30 articles that outline a broad range of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. It serves as a common standard of achievement for all nations and has been translated into more than 500 languages. The following are some key principles and rights enshrined in the UDHR:
- Equality and non-discrimination: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Discrimination based on race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status is prohibited.
- Right to life, liberty, and security: Every person has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.
- Freedom from torture and cruel treatment: No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
- Right to equality before the law: Everyone is entitled to equal protection under the law without any discrimination.
- Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion: Every individual has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
- Right to privacy: No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with their privacy, family, home, or correspondence.
- Right to education: Education is a fundamental right, and everyone has the right to free and compulsory education.
- Right to work and fair wages: Everyone has the right to work, to just and favorable conditions of work, and to protection against unemployment.
- Right to freedom of expression: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas.
- Right to social security: Everyone has the right to social security and is entitled to the economic, social, and cultural rights necessary for their dignity and well-being.
These are just a few examples of the rights and principles outlined in the UDHR. The declaration has played a crucial role in shaping the development of human rights standards globally. It has been followed by other legally binding human rights treaties and conventions that expand upon and reinforce the principles enshrined in the UDHR.