The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948 after the barbarous acts that outraged world conscience during the Second World War. It recognises that all people, everywhere in the world, are entitled to certain freedoms and protections simply because they are human. Human rights are universal, inalienable and without exception – no one can voluntarily give them up or have them taken away from them.
The UDHR lists many different kinds of rights, from the right to life (which includes the right to food, water and shelter) to the right to education and free speech. It lays out the fact that different rights are intrinsically connected and that fulfilment of one right depends, in some cases wholly or in part, on the enjoyment of other rights. It also identifies that different rights are of equal value and importance to every person.
Today, the United Nations system works together to prevent human rights abuses. This work involves international legal action, humanitarian aid and a robust system of education and advocacy. The success of human rights requires sustained commitment from all parts of the global community.
Young people can make a significant contribution to this process, even though it may seem too “serious” an issue for them or they might think their actions are unlikely to have a major impact. History has shown that policy change – whether at the national, regional or international level – often comes about as a result of pressure from multiple sources – including local activists.
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