Human Rights, Universal Declaration Of

Abstract

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) , which was adopted by the United Nations → General Assembly on 10 December 1948 is considered one of the most important documents of the twentieth century. The Declaration has had a fundamental influence on the constitutions of numerous states, as well as on the further development of international law. Shocked by the severe infringements against minorities before and during the First World War, they had made it their duty to universalize the civil and human rights, which were fixed in the League of Nations treaties for the protection of minorities thus to lay the foundation for an international system for the protection of human rights. The Preamble contains the remark that it is essential, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law. The UDHR can serve as a very useful instrument to promote dignity and justice for all. Keywords: international law; League of Nations; United Nations; Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)