The Importance of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) stands as one of the most significant documents in human history, a global affirmation that every person, regardless of nationality, race, or status, is entitled to dignity, freedom, and justice. Drafted in the aftermath of World War II, when the world had witnessed unimaginable atrocities, the UDHR was a bold statement that such violations must never happen again. It set a moral and legal foundation for human rights worldwide, inspiring countless laws, movements, and international agreements. More than just words on paper, it is a promise that humanity can and must hold itself to a higher standard. To read the UDHR is to be reminded that the fight for human dignity is ongoing- and that each of us has a role in defending it.

The United States is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and, in fact, played a crucial role in its creation, with Eleanor Roosevelt serving as the Chair of the drafting committee. However, while the UDHR is a foundational human rights document, it is not legally binding- it serves as a set of principles rather than enforceable law. The U.S. has supported the UDHR since its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, but it has not ratified all subsequent human rights treaties that stem from it.