Skip to Main Content
UN Library logo
Research Guides

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), Drafting History

A Historical Record of the Drafting Process

Children reading the Human Rights Declaration

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 217A at its 3rd session in Paris on 10 December 1948. From 1946-1948 delegates to the United Nations discussed and drafted an international declaration on the subject of human rights that has become a standard of principles for human rights.

This website provides access to United Nations documentation related to the drafting of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The documents are presented in chronological order, arranged according to the various bodies that met to discuss, draft and re-draft the Declaration. There are also brief biographic notes for the members of the Drafting Committee formed by the UN Commission on Human Rights.

Additional Resources