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Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)


Why is it in the news?

  • Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights continues to serve as a foundational document in the pursuit of global human rights and dignity.

Key Features

  • Recognizes inherent dignity as the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace.
  • Declares human rights as universal, applicable to all people regardless of location or identity.
  • Its Components includes Preamble and 30 articles outlining fundamental rights and freedoms, covering civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
  • Drafting Committee: Chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt; Included members from eight countries, reflecting global diversity. Over 50 U.N. member countries contributed to the drafting, including India.
Achievements

·       Inspirational foundation for over 70 global and regional human rights treaties.

·       Influenced movements like decolonization, anti-apartheid, and freedom struggles worldwide.

 

Challenges

·       Not legally binding, leading to misuse and abuse.

·       Faces challenges in conflicts such as Israel-Hamas, Russia-Ukraine, and internal conflicts in Myanmar and Sudan.

 

India’s Contribution

·       Represented by Hansa Mehta, M.R. Masani, and Lakshmi Menon during drafting.

·       Substantial contributions by Indian representatives.

·       Hansa Mehta, a member of India’s Constituent Assembly, altered Article 1: “All men are born free and equal” to “All human beings are born free and equal” in the UDHR.


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