The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the pillar document of human rights which define all the fundamental rights in 30 articles that we can divide in three categories: individual liberties, political freedoms and collective freedoms.
Proclaimed on 10 December 1948 in Paris by the United Nation General Assembly, it’s nowadays translated in 500 languages, in order to be understood and because it benefits all individuals.
This declaration is seen like a commun ideal for all people and nations.
As it’s mentioned in the preamble, there are 8 considerations highlighting the necessity to respect this fundamental human rights by all states. Such as :
“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”
“Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations”
“Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge”
When talking about human rights, we have the perspective of individual liberties which are the essence of humanity. They are free from external restraints in their exercise and are considered to be outside the province of a government control. They range from the liberty to move freely, the right to a fair trial, the protection against servitude, the right to seek asylum, to get marry etc.
In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, some articles tackle in particular political freedoms which are about citizens of nations, their rights or duties. Their freedom of expression and of opinion, the propagation of their ideas is a right that can influence public decisions and their set up.
This section is more about collective freedoms, rights that can be exercised in the context of collective societies. At all time, people must access healthcare. The conditions for their wellbeing must be assured, under the protection of states or associations. Their right to security must be insured, even in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond their control.
Everything concordes to the fact that this Declaration is a life saving for everyone. This is how we can live in a peace world, develop friendly relations between states, favorise social progress and better life conditions thanks to the protection we receive under these declarations.