Human Rights, Universal Declaration of, is a document adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Dec. 10, 1948. It was designed to protect people throughout the world from abuses of power. The declaration was drafted by a multinational committee that included Eleanor Roosevelt of the United States, Rene-Samuel Cassin of France, and Charles Malik of Lebanon. The committee was supported by many religious groups, civil rights organizations, and well-known individuals.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets forth basic civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights and freedoms. It emphasizes equality and nondiscrimination. The declaration is not a treaty. However, it provides a common understanding of the rights and freedoms that every UN member state should promote and observe.
Loading the player...Eleanor Roosevelt on human rights
The declaration’s provisions have influenced many national constitutions since 1948. The declaration has helped foster the independence of former colonies and has helped lead some states and regions toward democracy. It has also led to numerous treaties to protect human rights.
