- 75th Anniversary: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was approved by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948.
- Post-World War II, this proclamation created the framework for the international order, with the goal of preventing future tragedies.
Understanding the Structure
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights: It highlights essential rights and freedoms in a preamble and 30 articles.
- Important Provisions: The articles emphasise equality in dignity and rights, non-discrimination, the right to life and liberty, the prohibition of slavery and torture, the right to a fair trial, the right to asylum, and the freedoms of religion, opinion, speech, and assembly.
- Right to Education: The declaration also states that everyone has the right to an education.
Origins and Development
- Post-War Sentiment: Developed as a result of the “never again” determination following the world wars and the Holocaust, it functioned as a “road map” for individual rights.
- The drafting group, chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt, spanned varied geographical locations, with over 50 nations contributing to the final document.
- Global Participation: Despite being written during a period of pervasive colonial control, the Declaration of Human Rights represented a collaborative effort to ensure rights for all, including gender equality.
Legacy and Importance
- Non-Binding Nature: Despite the fact that it is neither a treaty or legally binding, its concepts have affected state legislation and international human rights conventions.
- Movements’ Inspiration: It fueled worldwide decolonization, anti-apartheid, and human rights movements.
- Despite criticism, it maintains a worldwide human rights benchmark that has influenced several later human rights accords.
Current Issues and Their Importance
- Contemporary Conflicts: The anniversary of the Declaration coincides with ongoing human rights issues in conflicts such as Israel-Hamas, Russia-Ukraine, and internal instability in Myanmar and Sudan.
- Concerns of the United Nations Secretary-General: Antonio Guterres underlined the declaration’s overuse and abuse, with certain states undermining it.
- Amnesty International’s Position: The proclamation, according to the organisation, demonstrates the viability of a global human rights vision.
- Volker Türk’s Point of View: The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasises the declaration’s long-term value, asking the world to celebrate its achievements while learning from its failings.
Source: https://www.ohchr.org/en/human-rights-75