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Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): 30 Articles - 30 Documents: Exhibit for the 75th Anniversary

Introduction

 

   

  

About the Exhibit

On 10 December 2023, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

This milestone document set out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected. Its 30 articles underpin international human rights law and provide a common global standard for human rights at the country and regional level.

The UN Dag Hammarskjöld Library presents a selection of 30 key documents related to the 30 articles that constitute the Declaration.

The Declaration is the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages. Adopted by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) on 10 December 1948, it is still just as relevant in our world today.

For more information about the UDHR, explore our Research Guides on its Drafting History and on UN Human Rights Documentation.

Information about the Human Rights 75 campaign cis available on the website of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
  

Media Credits:

Other Credits:

Articles 1-5

Equality, Non-Discrimination, Right to Life, Liberty, and Security of Person

Article 1 - Right to Equality

Article 2 - Freedom from Discrimination

Article 3 - Right to Life, Liberty, Personal Security

Article 4 - Freedom from Slavery

Article 5 - Freedom from Torture and Degrading Treatment

Articles 6-11

Equal Protection of the Law, Effective and Fair Judicial Process

Article 6 - Right to Recognition as a Person before the Law

Article 7 - Right to Equality before the Law

Article 8 - Right to Remedy by Competent Tribunal

Article 9 - Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest and Exile

Article 10 - Right to a Fair Public Hearing

Article 11 - Right to be Considered Innocent until Proven Guilty

Articles 12-21

Civil and Political Rights

Article 12 - Freedom from Interference with Privacy, Family, Home and Correspondence

Article 13 - Right to Free Movement in and out of a Country

Article 14 - Right to Asylum in other Countries Free of Persecution

Article 15 - Right to a Nationality and the Freedom to Change It

Article 16 - Right to Marriage and Family

Article 17 - Right to Own Property

Article 18 - Freedom of Belief and Religion

Article 19 - Freedom of Opinion and Information

Article 20 - Right of Peaceful Assembly and Association

Article 21 - Right to Participate in Government and in Free Elections

Articles 22-27

Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

Article 22 - Right to Social Security

Article 23 - Right to Desirable Work and to Join Trade Unions

Article 24 - Right to Rest and Leisure

Article 25 - Right to Adequate Living Standards

Article 26 - Right to Education

Article 27 - Right to Participate in the Cultural Life of Community

Articles 28-29

International Order, Limitation, Derogation, and Destruction of Rights

Article 28 - Right to a Social Order

Article 29 - Community Duties Essential to Free and Full Development

Article 30

Article 30

Human Rights Defenders

Photos in collage courtesy of Front Line Defenders.

Drafting History Research Guide