What is Universal Declarations of Human Rights?

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a landmark international document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948 at the Paris Conference. It was the first attempt to establish a universal benchmark of essential rights and freedoms to which every human is entitled. Furthermore, it influenced both the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution.

Basic Overview

Drafted by a United Nations Committee chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt.
Comprises 30 articles detailing an individual’s fundamental freedoms and basic rights, affirming their universal nature as inherent, inalienable, and applicable to all human beings.
Adopted by 48 countries (of the 58 present); none voted against it, while eight abstained, including the Soviet Union, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.
For the first time, UDHR laid down a universal standard of rights and freedoms applicable to all, regardless of race, religion, gender, language, or nationality.

Need for UDHR

In the aftermath of World War II, nations across the globe recognised the need for a framework of global governance. This led to the negotiation of the United Nations Charter and the establishment of the United Nations (UN) in 1945, aimed at fostering cordial relations and preventing future large-scale conflicts.
One of the UN’s first tasks was to create a global framework for human dignity. The idea was to restore meaning to human life after the atrocities of the war, including genocide, mass displacement, and crimes against humanity.

Main Articles of UDHR

Article 1: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Article 2: Freedom from discrimination of any kind.
Article 3: Right to life, liberty, and security of person.
Articles 4–5: Prohibition of slavery and torture.
Article 7: Equality before the law and equal protection of the law.
Articles 9–11: Freedom from arbitrary arrest, right to a fair trial, presumption of innocence.
Articles 12–19: Right to privacy, freedom of movement, asylum, nationality, marriage and family, freedom of thought, conscience, religion, opinion, and expression.
Articles 20–21: Freedom of assembly, association, and participation in government.
Articles 22–27: Economic, social, and cultural rights; right to work, social security, education, rest and leisure, and participation in cultural life.
Articles 28–30: Everyone is entitled to an order where these rights are fully realised, and no state, group, or person has the right to destroy them.

Significance of UDHR

The UDHR inspired more than seventy human rights treaties, national constitutions, and international legal frameworks.
For example:
- In India, the UDHR deeply influenced the Constitution:
  - Civil and political rights were embedded as enforceable Fundamental Rights under Part III.
  - Socio-economic rights, such as work, education, health, and social security, shaped the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) under Part IV, guiding the state toward welfare and social justice.

Conclusion

The UDHR of 1948 was the first global declaration affirming that all people everywhere are entitled to the same fundamental rights and freedoms. It transformed human rights from an abstract ideal into a shared international standard and continues to guide nations and societies in the pursuit of dignity, justice, and equality.