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Key Principles of Human Rights Declaration

May 13, 2025

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a foundational document in the history of human rights, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1948. It sets out fundamental human rights to be universally protected and has inspired numerous human rights treaties.

Preamble

  • Recognition of dignity and rights: The foundation of freedom, justice, and peace.
  • Condemnation of human rights violations: Barbarous acts have led to the call for freedom of speech, belief, and freedom from fear.
  • Protection under the rule of law: Essential to prevent recourse to rebellion.
  • Friendly international relations: Promotion of peace and cooperative efforts.
  • Commitment of UN Member States: Promotion of universal respect and observance of human rights.
  • Proclamation: The Declaration serves as a common standard for all, emphasizing education and progressive measures.

Articles Overview

Article 1

  • All humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights, endowed with reason and conscience.

Article 2

  • Rights and freedoms without distinction of race, color, sex, language, religion, etc.

Article 3

  • Right to life, liberty, and security of person.

Article 4

  • Prohibition of slavery and servitude.

Article 5

  • Protection against torture and cruel treatment.

Article 6

  • Right to recognition as a person before the law.

Article 7

  • Equality before the law and protection against discrimination.

Article 8

  • Right to effective remedy by competent tribunals.

Article 9

  • Protection against arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile.

Article 10

  • Right to a fair and public hearing by an impartial tribunal.

Article 11

  • Presumption of innocence; no retroactive penal offences.

Article 12

  • Protection against arbitrary interference in privacy and reputation.

Article 13

  • Freedom of movement and right to leave and return to one's country.

Article 14

  • Right to seek asylum; exceptions for non-political crimes.

Article 15

  • Right to nationality and change thereof.

Article 16

  • Rights related to marriage and family protection.

Article 17

  • Right to own property; protection against arbitrary deprivation.

Article 18

  • Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

Article 19

  • Freedom of opinion and expression across media.

Article 20

  • Freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

Article 21

  • Rights related to participation in government and public service.

Article 22

  • Right to social security and realization of social rights.

Article 23

  • Rights related to work, fair conditions, equal pay, and unionization.

Article 24

  • Right to rest and leisure, including work-hour limitations.

Article 25

  • Right to an adequate standard of living and special care for mothers and children.

Article 26

  • Right to education, with emphasis on human development and UN activities.

Article 27

  • Right to participate in cultural life and benefit from scientific progress.

Article 28

  • Entitlement to a social order that enables full realization of rights and freedoms.

Article 29

  • Duties to the community; lawful limitations on rights to respect others' rights.

Article 30

  • Prohibition of activities aimed at destroying the rights and freedoms set forth in the Declaration.

View note sourcehttps://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights