Universal Declaration of Human Rights

 UDHR is an international document which was adopted by

United Nation’s General Assembly on 10th December 1948 .
This day is celebrated as world Human Rights Day
throughout the world.
 It declares that Human Rights are universal and are to be
enjoyed by all people, no matter who they are or where they
live.
 In 1966 two international covenants were adopted codifying
two sets of rights outlined in the universal declaration as-
 International Covenant on civil and political rights.
 International covenant on economic, social and cultural rights.
 These came into force in 1976.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
 Universal Declaration along with the two covenants and
the protocols comprise the International Bill of Human
Rights.
 These documents have laid down the foundation from
which other treaties and declaration have been adopted.
 Although the declaration is not legally binding, these
rights have been enshrined in many countries
constitutions.
Preparation of Universal Declaration of
Human Rights.
 The draft of declaration was prepared by drafting
committee which was appointed by commission on human
rights.
 Eleanor Roosevelt was the chairperson of Universal
Declaration of Human rights drafting committee that
drafted the articles.
 The declaration was adopted as resolution by General
Assembly on 10 December 1948.
 Out of 58 nations ( membership of UN at that time) 48
voted in favour 8 abstained and 2 failed to vote and India
voted in favour of the Declaration.
UDHR Articles
 UDHR can be divided into 6 parts-
1. Part I (Article 1 and 2)- They reaffirm human dignity ,
equality and brotherhood.
2. Part II ( Article 3-11)- They are the rights of the
individual and include Right to life, Right against slavery,
torture, Equality before law, Right to a fair trial etc.
3. Part III ( Article 12-17)- They are the rights of
individuals within civil and political society. They include
freedom of movement, Right to nationality, Right to
marry etc.
UDHR Articles
4. Part IV ( Article 18-21)- They are the spirituals and
religious rights of individuals such as freedom of thought
and conscience, right to form your own opinion, right to
peaceful assembly, right to vote etc.
5. Part V ( Article 22-27) – They are the social, economic and
cultural rights of the individual. They include the right to
work, right to rest, right to decent standard of living and
right to education.
6. Part VI ( Article 28-30) – They remind us that rights come
with obligation and none of the rights mentioned in UDHR
can be used to violate the spirit of UN.