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Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Definition

Adopted by United Nations General Assembly in 1948, it's an international document that states basic rights and fundamental freedoms all human beings should have regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, color, religion or language.

Analogy

Consider this declaration as your school's code of conduct but on a global scale. Just like how your school rules protect you from bullying or unfair treatment; this declaration aims to protect every individual's basic rights worldwide.

Related terms

Human Rights Council (UN): An inter-governmental body within UN system responsible for strengthening promotion & protection of human rights around globe & addressing situations of human rights violations & making recommendations on them.

Genocide Convention (1948): An international law document adopted by UN General Assembly that defined genocide in legal terms and committed the signatory countries to prevent and punish actions of genocide.

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966): An international treaty, based on Universal Declaration of Human Rights, committing its parties to respect civil and political rights of individuals.