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 December 10, 1948. This document is recognized as the first global framework for guaranteeing human dignity, freedoms, and equality among all people. Its primary motivation was the atrocities of World War II and the necessity of preventing such events from happening again.
1. Right to Equality
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
2. Freedom from Discrimination
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, 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 shall be held in slavery or servitude.
5. Freedom from Torture
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading 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 the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him.
9. Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, 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 offense has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty.
12. Right to Privacy
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home, 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 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 receive 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 his 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 himself and of his 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 these rights and freedoms can be fully realized.
29. Duties to the Community
Everyone has duties to the community.
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.