Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly Resolution 217 A).

Drafted by representatives from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds across the world, the UDHR set out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected. It remains the cornerstone of international human rights law and has been translated into more than 500 languages.

Preamble

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind...

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, therefore, the General Assembly proclaims this Declaration as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.

Articles of the Declaration

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights...

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration...

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

No one shall be held in slavery or servitude...

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

All are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection of the law.

Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by competent national tribunals...

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal.

Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty...

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with privacy, family, or correspondence...

Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within each state...

Everyone has the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution in other countries.

Everyone has the right to a nationality.

Men and women of full age have the right to marry and to found a family...

Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion...

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression...

Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country...

Everyone has the right to social security...

Everyone has the right to work, to just conditions, and equal pay for equal work.

Everyone has the right to rest and leisure...

Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being...

Everyone has the right to education...

Everyone has the right to participate in cultural life and enjoy scientific progress.

Everyone is entitled to a social and international order where these rights can be realized.

Everyone has duties to the community...

Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as allowing destruction of any rights set forth herein.

Legacy and Impact

The UDHR has inspired hundreds of laws, treaties, and human rights movements across the world. It remains a living document guiding nations toward equality, justice, and peace.

🎨 Illustrated UDHR

The United Nations collaborated with French artist Yacine Ait Kaci (YAK) to create an animated version of the UDHR featuring Elyx — symbolizing global unity through art and digital storytelling.

👩‍⚖️ Women Who Shaped the Declaration

Hansa Mehta of India ensured that Article 1 read “All human beings” instead of “All men,” making the Declaration truly universal and inclusive.