The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is composed of exactly 30 articles.
Understanding the Structure of the UDHR
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948, stands as a pivotal document in the history of human rights. It was the first time that fundamental human rights were comprehensively outlined to be universally protected.
The Significance of Its 30 Articles
The 30 articles that form the core of the UDHR are much more than a simple list; they serve critical functions in the global human rights framework:
- Underpin International Human Rights Law: These articles lay the foundational principles upon which the vast body of international human rights law has been built and continues to evolve. They act as the blueprint for subsequent human rights treaties and conventions.
- Establish a Common Global Standard: They provide a universal benchmark for human rights, guiding governments and organizations worldwide in their efforts to uphold and promote the rights and freedoms of all individuals. This ensures a consistent approach to human dignity across various countries and regions.
Highlighting Each Article's Importance
The profound impact and comprehensive nature of each individual article are recognized through various initiatives. For example, the UN Dag Hammarskjöld Library has curated a selection of 30 key documents, with each document specifically relating to one of the 30 articles that constitute the Declaration. This initiative underscores the depth and breadth of the UDHR, showing how each article addresses a distinct and vital aspect of human rights.
The UDHR, with its precisely defined 30 articles, remains a living and influential document, continuously inspiring constitutional reforms and legislative measures globally to ensure that human rights are universally recognized, respected, and upheld.
