Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 70: All you need to know

New Delhi: Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December – the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year, Human Rights Day marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being -- regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It is the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all. The principles enshrined in the Declaration are as relevant today as they were in 1948. We need to stand up for our own rights and those of others. We can take action in our own daily lives, to uphold the rights that protect us all and thereby promote the kinship of all human beings. 

The rights enumerated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are

• Article 1: Innate freedom and equality


• Article 2: Ban on discrimination
   
• Article 3: Right to life
   
• Article 4: Ban on slavery
   
• Article 5: Ban on torture
   
• Article 6: Right to recognition as a person before the law
   
• Article 7: Equality before the law
   

It is to be noted that women played a very important role in the formation of the UDHR. Eleanor Roosevelt's leadership as chairman of the drafting committee of the UDHR is well documented. 
 

#StandUp4HumanRights

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all.
   
• Human rights are relevant to all of us, every day.
   
• Our shared humanity is rooted in these universal values.
   
• Equality, justice and freedom prevent violence and sustain peace.
   
• Whenever and wherever humanity's values are abandoned, we all are at greater risk.
   
• We need to stand up for our rights and those of others.
  
  (With inputs from UN)

Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.