A Celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Human Rights Research Center

Report on Human Rights Day and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Introduction

Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10 to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This Declaration establishes universal standards for human rights and serves as the foundation of international human rights law. It has been translated into 577 languages and has inspired over 80 human rights treaties and declarations.

The celebration of Human Rights Day provides an opportunity to understand the history, core principles, enumerated rights, and global impact of the Declaration, with a focus on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Historical Context and Development

The atrocities of the Second World War, including the Holocaust, underscored the urgent need for universal human rights protection. In response, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the UDHR on December 10, 1948, enshrining inalienable rights for all human beings regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.

The drafting process involved key figures from diverse nations, including:

• Eleanor Roosevelt, UNCHR Chairperson (United States)
• Peng-chun Chang, UNCHR Vice-Chair (China)
• Charles Habib Malik, UNCHR Rapporteur (Lebanon)
• William Hodgson, UNCHR Member (Australia)
• Hernan Santa Cruz, UNCHR Member (Chile)
• Rene Casin, UNCHR Member (France)
• Alexander Bogomolov, UNCHR Member (USSR)
• Charles Dukes, UNCHR Member (United Kingdom)
• John Humphrey, Director, UN Division of Human Rights (Canada)

Women delegates played a pivotal role in shaping the Declaration to ensure gender equality, including:

• Evdokia Uralova (Byelorussian SSR)
• Bodgil Begtrup (Denmark)
• Minerva Bernardino (Dominican Republic)
• Marie-Helene Lefaucheux (France)
• Hansa Mehta (India)
• Lakshmi Menon (India)
• Angela Jurdak (Lebanon)
• Begum Shaista Ikramulah (Pakistan)
• Fryderyka Kalinoski (Poland)
• Elizaveta Popova (USSR)

Key Contributions by Women Delegates

1. Revised the phrase “All men are born free and equal” to “All human beings are born free and equal” (Article 1).
2. Included “the equality of men and women” in the preamble.
3. Guaranteed freedom, equality, and choice in marriage, including equal rights to combat child and forced marriage (Article 16).
4. Used inclusive terms such as “all” or “everyone” instead of “all men” for rights holders.
5. Added “sex” as a basis for non-discrimination (Article 2).
6. Included the right to equal pay for equal work without discrimination (Article 23).
7. Emphasized rights of persons in non-self-governing territories (Article 2).

Adoption and Principles of the Declaration

The first draft was completed in September 1948, with 50 member states participating in the final Geneva draft. The Declaration was adopted by UN General Assembly Resolution 217 (A) (III) in Paris, with eight abstentions and no dissenting votes.

Core Principles

• Universality: Human rights are universal and inalienable, entitled to all human beings.
• Interdependence and Indivisibility: All human rights are interrelated and equally important; denial of one right affects others.
• Equality and Non-discrimination: All individuals are equal and must not face discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, language, political opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
• Rights and Obligations: Human rights involve both entitlements and responsibilities for duty bearers and rights holders.

Summary of the 30 Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

1. Right to Equality
2. Freedom from Discrimination
3. Right to Life, Liberty, and Personal Security
4. Freedom from Slavery
5. Freedom from Torture and Degrading Treatment
6. Right to Recognition as a Person before the Law
7. Right to Equality before the Law
8. Right to Remedy by Competent Tribunal
9. Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest and Exile
10. Right to Fair Public Hearing
11. Right to be Considered Innocent until Proven Guilty
12. Freedom from Interference with Privacy, Family, Home, and Correspondence
13. Right to Free Movement in and out of the Country
14. Right to Asylum from Persecution
15. Right to a Nationality and Freedom to Change It
16. Right to Marriage and Family
17. Right to Own Property
18. Freedom of Belief and Religion
19. Freedom of Opinion and Information
20. Right of Peaceful Assembly and Association
21. Right to Participate in Government and Free Elections
22. Right to Social Security
23. Right to Desirable Work and to Join Trade Unions
24. Right to Rest and Leisure
25. Right to Adequate Living Standard
26. Right to Education
27. Right to Participate in Cultural Life of Community
28. Right to a Social Order that Articulates this Document
29. Community Duties Essential to Free and Full Development
30. Freedom from State or Personal Interference in the Above Rights

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The UDHR’s principles and rights are intrinsically linked to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including but not limited to:

• SDG 1: No Poverty – through rights to social security and adequate living standards.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by promoting rights to health and security.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – through the right to education.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – by enshrining equality and non-discrimination based on sex.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – via rights to desirable work and equal pay.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – by combating discrimination and promoting equality.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – through rights to fair judicial processes and participation in government.

The UDHR provides a framework that supports the three pillars of the UN: peace and security, development, and human rights, which are essential for sustainable development and global stability.

Ongoing Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite significant progress inspired by the Declaration, including advances in women’s equality, education, health, and the dismantling of apartheid, human rights violations persist worldwide. As the 77th anniversary of the UDHR is celebrated, it is imperative to renew commitments to the inalienable rights it enshrines and to ensure full realization and adherence to international human rights law.

Strengthening the implementation of the UDHR is vital for achieving the SDGs and fostering a just, equitable, and sustainable global society.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Apartheid: A policy or practice of racial segregation and discrimination, notably in South Africa.
• Enshrines: To preserve or protect a right in a form that guarantees its respect.
• Enumerated Rights: Rights explicitly listed in a legal document.
• Inalienable: Rights that cannot be taken away or surrendered.
• Tribunal: A court or forum with authority to adjudicate specific matters.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses the right to an adequate living standard (Article 25), which connects to poverty eradication.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The Declaration’s influence on health rights and the right to life, liberty, and security (Articles 3, 25) relate to this goal.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education – The right to education (Article 26) is explicitly mentioned.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article highlights the inclusion of women’s rights, equality of men and women, and non-discrimination based on sex (Articles 1, 2, 16, 23).
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The principles of equality and non-discrimination (Articles 1, 2) address reducing inequalities.
6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The Declaration’s focus on rights to fair judicial process, freedom from arbitrary arrest, right to participate in government, and rule of law (Articles 6-11, 20, 21) relate to this goal.
7. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article references international cooperation and treaties inspired by the Declaration.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

• SDG 1: Target 1.4 – Ensure equal rights to economic resources and basic services (linked to Article 25: right to adequate living standard).
• SDG 3: Target 3.8 – Achieve universal health coverage and access to quality essential health-care services (implied by right to health and life).
• SDG 4: Target 4.1 – Ensure all children complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education (Article 26: right to education).
• SDG 5: Target 5.1 – End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere (Article 1, 2, and women delegates’ contributions).
• SDG 5: Target 5.3 – Eliminate harmful practices such as child, early and forced marriage (Article 16: equal rights in marriage).
• SDG 10: Target 10.3 – Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome (Articles 1 and 2 on equality and non-discrimination).
• SDG 16: Target 16.3 – Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice (Articles 6-11).
• SDG 16: Target 16.7 – Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making (Articles 20, 21).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

• Indicator for SDG 1.4: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, with access to basic services (implied by right to adequate living standard).
• Indicator for SDG 3.8: Coverage of essential health services and financial protection (implied by right to health and life).
• Indicator for SDG 4.1: Completion rates of primary and secondary education (linked to right to education).
• Indicator for SDG 5.1 and 5.3: Proportion of women and girls subjected to discrimination and harmful practices such as child marriage (implied by inclusion of women’s rights and marriage equality).
• Indicator for SDG 10.3: Proportion of people reporting discrimination in various settings (implied by equality and non-discrimination principles).
• Indicator for SDG 16.3: Proportion of victims of violence who report their victimization to competent authorities and proportion of population with access to legal identity (linked to rights to fair judicial process and recognition before the law).
• Indicator for SDG 16.7: Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive (implied by right to participate in government and free elections).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: humanrightsresearch.org