History of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948. This document is recognised as the primary global framework for guaranteeing human dignity, freedoms and equality among all people. The main driving force behind its drafting was the atrocities of the Second World War and the urgent need to prevent such events from ever happening again.
1. Right to Equality
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
2. Freedom from Discrimination
No one should be subjected to discrimination based on race, colour, sex, language, religion, or opinion.
3. Right to Life, Liberty and Security
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
4. Freedom from Slavery
No one should be held in slavery or servitude.
5. Freedom from Torture
No one should be subjected to torture or to cruel treatment.
6. Right to Recognition Before the Law
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
7. Equality Before the Law
All are equal before the law.
8. Right to Legal Remedy
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by competent tribunals for acts violating their rights.
9. Freedom from Arbitrary Detention
No one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or exile.
10. Right to a Fair Trial
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal.
11. Presumption of Innocence
Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty.
12. Right to Privacy
No one should be subjected to arbitrary interference with their privacy, family or correspondence.
13. Freedom of Movement
Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state and to leave any country.
14. Right to Asylum
Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
15. Right to a Nationality
Everyone has the right to a nationality.
16. Right to Marriage and Family
Men and women of full age have the right to marry and to found a family.
17. Right to Property
Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
18. Freedom of Thought and Religion
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
19. Freedom of Expression
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression and to seek and impart information.
20. Freedom of Assembly and Association
Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
21. Right to Political Participation
Everyone has the right to take part in the government of their country.
22. Right to Social Security
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security.
23. Right to Work
Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment and to just conditions of work.
24. Right to Rest and Leisure
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
25. Right to an Adequate Standard of Living
Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of themselves and of their family.
26. Right to Education
Everyone has the right to education; elementary education shall be free.
27. Right to Cultural Participation
Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community and to share in scientific advancement.
28. Right to a Social and International Order
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realised.
29. Duties to the Community
Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of their personality is possible.
30. Prohibition of Abuse of Rights
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.