A Review of the Meaning and Importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Abstract

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), announced on the 10th of December 1948, was adopted by the UN General Assembly with the approval of 48 countries. The declaration, called the “Magna Carta of all humanity” by Eleanor Roosevelt, has gone through many difficulties from the day it was signed to the present day. Eventually, the declaration has made important contributions towards the universal acceptance, development, and protection of human rights. At present, the declaration continues to maintain its universality and importance in the same way. However, it is a matter of debate in what direction the existence of this declaration affects human rights. In this respect, this study examined why many people are suffering despite the presence of the UDHR. The first part of this study discussed the conceptual framework of human rights and examined the declarations that play an important role in the process leading to the proclamation of the Universal Declaration. Later, the study mentioned the role and importance of the UDHR and mentioned its contribution to developments in human rights as an inspiration for the new declarations that came after it. Finally, the study tried to explain the reason for the limited impact of the Universal Declaration by analyzing the adaptation process of the declaration and the difficulties it has experienced. In this context, it has been concluded that this declaration has a limited impact since the main reason for the continuation of human rights violations today is that the declaration is not binding, and sovereign states violate human rights. Nonetheless, it has been found that the declaration effectively has prevented significant human rights violations and gradually has increased its limited impact as a source of inspiration for new declarations and agreements.