Universal Declaration of Human Rights
01 January 1991
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
actdoc March=1992
[The UN Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948]
PREAMBLE
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal
and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is
the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted
in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of
mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall
enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and
want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the
common people, Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be
compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion
against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be
protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly
relations between nations, Whereas the peoples of the United
Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in funda-
mental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human
person and in the equal rights of men and women and have
determined to promote social progress and better standards of
life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in
cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of
universal respect for and observance of human rights and
fundamental freedoms,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is
of the greatest importance for the full realization of this
pledge,
Now, Therefore,
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims
THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common
standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to
the end that every individual and every organ of society,
keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by
teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and
freedoms and by progressive measures, national and inter-
national, to secure their universal and effective recognition
and observance, both among the peoples of Member States
themselves and among the peoples of territories under their
jurisdiction.
Article 1. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity
and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and
should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 2. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms
set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any
kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political
or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth
or other status.
Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the
political, jurisdictional or international status of the
country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be
independent, trust, non-self -governing or under any other
limitation of sovereignty.
Article 3. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and
security of person.
Article 4. No one shall be held in slavery or servitude;
slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their
forms.
Article 5. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 6. Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as
a person before the law.
Article 7. All are equal before the law and are entitled
without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.
All are entitled to equal protection against any
discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against
any incitement to such discrimination.
Article 8. Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by
the competent national tribunals for acts violating the
fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
Article 9. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest,
detention or exile.
Article 10. Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair
and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal,
in the determi