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THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
On December 10, 1948, the United Nations
General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to protect people throughout
the world from abuses of power. This document, which emphasizes equality and nondiscrimination,
sets forth basic civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights and freedoms. Though
not a treaty, the declaration provides a common understanding of the rights and freedoms that
every United Nations member state should promote and observe.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created in the wake of WWII, when the world
witnessed some of the most grievous crimes against humanity. According to the United Nations,
"The Universal Declaration marked the first time that the rights and freedoms of individuals
were set forth in such detail. It also represented the first international recognition that
human rights and fundamental freedoms are applicable to every person, everywhere. In this
sense, the Universal Declaration was a landmark achievement in world history. Today, the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights continues to affect people's lives and inspire human
rights activism and legislation all over the world."
SOURCE: http://www.un.org/rights/HRToday/declar.htm
If you would like additional information, resources and teaching activities related to the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, please visit the following United Nations Web site:
http://www0.un.org/cyberschoolbus/humanrights/index.asp
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