Happy 61st Birthday to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights

by Robert Wilkinson

61 years ago today, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, said to be the most translated document in the world. It declares our fundamental rights as individuals and what we should expect from society. An enlightened document drafted by pioneer humanitarians, it clearly states universal principles of a better human ideal.

It is founded on the principles of dignity, liberty, equality and brotherhood, and outlines both basic and societal rights (personal, social economic, and cultural) of individuals, as well as basic freedoms. It is a remarkable document in its scope and depth of universal rights, and offers worthy ideals we can all attempt to bring to every part of our existence. If we all walked this talk, the world would be a much better place for each of us and all of us.

It is a part of the larger International Bill of Human Rights, which consists of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. As these have been ratified by many nations, they are officially international law.

Here is the direct link to an English version of The Universal Declaration on Human Rights. More can be found, as well as translations into countless languages, at the website of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which is the "official home page" for the document.

In a world where so many take so much for granted while so many others suffer needlessly, this may remind us of the ideal we are challenged to make real, both individually and collectively, in the new Era rapidly dawning. Aum Namah Shivaya!

© Copyright 2009 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[dcu]

Thank you Robert for this timely reminder. I only hope that some day our own great nation will be ready and willing to live up to these standards. All we are saying is Give Peace a Chance. Let the new day dawn.

[Ann]

Thank you, Robert. The document's ideals are further expanded through practical suggestions for embodying intention and action in The Earth Charter: