What is the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR)?
The universal declaration on human rights is considered one of the foundational documents of human rights law and is recognised around the world as being symbolic of universal consensus on the content of human rights. On 10 December 1948, the Universal Declaration was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations by a vote of 48 in favor, none against, and eight abstentions.
To some extent it reflects the attitudes of the time, but the document begins by stating the following “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.” It goes on to outline the reasons for the creation of the document and the rights which are held to be universal by the human family.
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