Daily News Analysis » Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Recently, on 10 December 2023, the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was celebrated. The theme for the year 2023 was “Freedom, Equality and Justice for All”.

  • About: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) comprises a preamble and 30 articles, each outlining specific human rights.
  • 1948: Adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly.
  • UN General Assembly Resolution:  Adopted under UNGA resolution 217 A in Paris, the UDHR was the first document to outline fundamental human rights for universal protection.
  • Core Principles: It declares that all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights, emphasizing the inherent reason and conscience in every individual, promoting a spirit of brotherhood.
  • Rights and Freedoms: The declaration encompasses various rights and freedoms, including the prohibition of slavery and slave trade, the right to a nationality, protection against arbitrary arrest, the right to seek asylum, and freedom of movement and residence.
  • Legal Status: While the UDHR is not a treaty and does not impose legal obligations on countries, it represents the fundamental values universally accepted by the international community.

 

Some Key Articles of UDHR:

  • Article 1 – Right to Equality: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”
  • Article 3 – Right to Life, Liberty, Personal Security: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.”
  • Article 5 – Freedom from Torture and Degrading Treatment: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
  • Article 19 – Freedom of Opinion and Information: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
  • Article 26 – Right to Education: “Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory.”

 

Why in News:

  • Recently, on 10 December 2023, the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was celebrated. The theme for the year 2023 was  “Freedom, Equality and Justice for All”.