Crafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The need for a detailed articulation of the human rights principles outlined in the UN Charter led to the formation of the Commission on Human Rights in 1946. The drafting committee, chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt, faced the challenge of defining these rights in a universally acceptable manner. The committee navigated complex issues such as the role of religion and the scope of socio-economic rights. In the end, the Declaration omitted explicit religious references to maintain its universal applicability, and it included socio-economic rights to address a broader range of human concerns. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, with an overwhelming majority in favor, marking a historic consensus on the rights and freedoms of all people.Deliberations and Dilemmas in Human Rights Formulation
The drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was marked by vigorous debate over its language and provisions. For instance, the South African representative Charles Theodore Te Water objected to the term "human dignity," which he feared could undermine the apartheid regime, but the term was ultimately included. The phrase "all men are created equal" was revised to "all human beings are created equal" to promote gender inclusivity. Despite the Declaration's non-binding nature, it has been endorsed by 192 countries and has become a guiding document for human rights, influencing numerous national constitutions and international laws.The United Nations' Role in Human Rights Advocacy
The United Nations is instrumental in promoting and protecting human rights through the commitments of its member states. Although the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not a treaty and therefore not legally binding, the UN has established various mechanisms to monitor and address human rights violations. In 2006, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) was created to replace the Commission on Human Rights, signifying a shift towards more robust enforcement of human rights standards and providing a forum for addressing violations.The UN Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
The UN Human Rights Council, composed of 47 member states elected based on equitable geographical distribution, is tasked with strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. The council has the authority to pass resolutions and make recommendations, although these are not legally binding. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights leads the UN's efforts to ensure adherence to human rights obligations and is responsible for coordinating human rights activities throughout the UN system. The current High Commissioner, as of the knowledge cutoff in 2023, is Michelle Bachelet.The Enduring Influence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights enumerates thirty articles outlining essential human rights, beginning with the principle that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. These rights span various dimensions, including protection from slavery, torture, and arbitrary detention, as well as entitlements to a fair trial, privacy, and freedoms of thought, conscience, and expression. The Declaration has had a significant impact on the international human rights movement, serving as a cornerstone for advocacy, legal standards, and educational efforts worldwide.