The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

In reaction to the barbarities of the two world wars and the experiences of nineteenth century despotism, the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948. This fact sheet summarises the rights of each one of us as enshrined in the Declaration.

You can download the full document (in over 300 different translations) at: http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr/

All Human Beings:

Are born free and should all be treated in the same way
Are equal despite differences in race, sex, language, etc.
Have the right to life and to live in freedom and safety
Should be free from slavery
Should not be subjected to torture
Have the right to be recognized before the law
Have the right to be treated equally before the law
Have the right to ask for legal help when the rights are not respected
Have the right not to be imprisoned unjustly
Have the right to a fair trial
Have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty
Have the right to privacy
Have the right to travel within and to and from their own country
Have the right to political asylum
Have the right to a nationality
Have the right to marry
Have the right to own property
Have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion
Have the right to freedom of opinion and expression
Have the right to meet with others
Have the right to take part in government matters and to vote
Have the right to social security (i.e., to have basic needs met)
Have the right to work and to join a trade union
Have the right to rest and leisure
Have the right to an adequate standard of living and medical help
Have the right to an education
Have the right to take part in their community's cultural life
Are entitled to a social and international order than can provide these rights
Must respect the rights of others

print this page

Privacy