Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (often abbreviated UDHR) is a document adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 10 December 1948 at a meeting held in Paris. It sets out rights and freedoms stated to belong to every person, regardless of sex, colour, language, religion, political opinion, national origin or birth.

The Declaration is not a legally binding treaty that obligates states, but rather a statement expressing a shared universal standard. Some of its provisions, however, are considered part of customary international law and have been incorporated into many national constitutions and laws. Every year on 10 December, Human Rights Day is observed.

Origins and drafting

After the Second World War, the United Nations established a Commission on Human Rights to prepare a universal statement of human rights. The Commission was chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt. Drafting involved representatives from different regions, including noted figures such as René Cassin (France), Charles Malik (Lebanon), Peng Chun Chang (China) and John Peters Humphrey (Canada), who led preparation of the draft text.

Summary of provisions

The Declaration consists of a preamble and 30 articles. Article 1 establishes that all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights. The early articles address life, liberty, protection from slavery and torture, equal protection before the law, and the right to a fair court. Later articles cover freedom of thought, religion, expression, association, participation in government, work, education, health and participation in cultural life.

Adoption and impact

At the time of adoption, no country voted against it, but several abstained, including the Soviet Union and aligned states, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Stated reasons included disagreements over religious freedom, economic and social rights and internal interference.

The Declaration led to two legally binding treaties adopted in 1966: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Declaration and these two covenants together are referred to as the International Bill of Human Rights. Translations exist in a large number of languages, including Somali.