Universal Human Rights - Essay Example

Universal Human Rights of the of the of the The Human Rights Commission was established in the year 1947 by the United Nations (UN). Its task was to draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Several countries sent their representatives to take part in this process. The UN adopted the UDHR on 10 December 1948. The aims of the UDHR are to promote freedom, justice and peace in the world. This is to be achieved by the universal recognition and respect for human rights. Some of these are the civil, cultural, economic and political rights.

For the first time, the UDHR recognized the entitlement of every individual to rights. 1 There are 30 articles in the UDHR. These articles describe the basic rights that are guaranteed to every person. The UDHR is based on the assumption that all humans enjoy universal equality. This is provided under the first two articles of the UDHR. Moreover, such equality is founded on the basic dignity that humanity enjoys. Such equality of human dignity leads to human rights that are applicable universally.

Moreover, these rights are automatically provided to every individual. In addition, no person can be denied these rights for any reason or due to any act committed by that person. 2 Article 1 of the UDHR states that every human being has the same dignity and rights. It also states that people have conscience and reason and should act in a spirit of brotherhood towards each other. 3 Article 2 states that all the people have all the rights and freedoms specified in the UDHR. There can be no distinction of any kind.

In other words, there can be no distinction on the basis of color, race, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, birth, property or other status. 4 Civil and political rights are described from Article 3 to Article 21 of the UDHR. The rights described under these articles are the right to life, liberty, fair trial, free speech, personal security, free speech, and movement. Moreover, these articles provide the right of freedom from arbitrary arrest, slavery, and torture.

5On the other hand, Articles 22 through 27 of the UDHR specify the cultural, economic, and social rights. These rights are essential for the dignity and development of every individual. Some of the economic rights under this category are the right to social security, economic work – related rights, right to fair payment and leisure. The social rights are the right to a sufficient standard of health, well – being and education. Finally, one of the cultural rights provided by the UDHR is the right to take part in cultural life.

6Articles 28 to 30 of the UDHR establish a system that provides for the enjoyment of human rights. This framework recognizes the right to social and international systems that promote human rights. It also declares that along with the fundamental rights, individuals have certain duties towards the community. Finally, these articles state that no individual or state can use the UDHR to promote objectives that go against the mission of the UN. 7 Prior to the UDHR, the freedoms and rights of the people were determined by the country to which they belonged.

The terrible events of World War II made it very clear that every individual required universal protection. It also became clear that the international community had to closely supervise the human rights of people inside their country. 8 BibliographyEquality and Human Rights Commission. “Understanding human rights.” http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/advice-and-guidance/equal-rights-equal-respect/useful-information/understanding-human-rights/ (accessed February 7, 2013).Human Rights Education Associates.

“The United Nations Human Rights System.” http://www.hrea.org/index.php?base_id=163 (accessed February 7, 2013).United Nations. “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml (accessed February 7, 2013).