Daily Current Affairs : 12-December-2023

December 10, 2023, marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a pivotal document in the realm of international relations. This essay delves into the background, achievements, and current situation surrounding this landmark declaration.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Overview

Background: The UDHR, approved on December 10, 1948, in Paris by the UN General Assembly, emerged in response to the horrors of World War II. It aimed to establish a shared understanding of fundamental rights and freedoms, shaping the post-war international order.

Document Structure: This succinct declaration comprises a preamble and 30 articles, encompassing civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Although non-binding, it has significantly influenced the development of international human rights law.

Universal Applicability: The rights outlined transcend nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other status, emphasizing their universal nature. The preamble stresses the inherent dignity and equal rights of all individuals, while the articles cover a range of rights from life and liberty to education and asylum.

Achievements of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Global Inspiration: The UDHR has been a beacon, inspiring over 70 human rights treaties globally and regionally, contributing to the evolution of the international human rights framework.

Impact on Movements: It served as a catalyst for decolonization and anti-apartheid movements, influencing freedom fighters globally and addressing issues of gender, LGBTIQ+ rights, and racism.

Current Situation

Challenges: Despite its profound impact, the UDHR faces challenges amidst contemporary conflicts, such as Israel-Hamas, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and internal conflicts in Myanmar and Sudan.

Misuse and Abuse: Acknowledging its misuse for political gain, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has highlighted concerns about the UDHR’s exploitation.

Relevance and Recognition: Amid challenges, Amnesty International asserts that the UDHR remains relevant, presenting a global vision for human rights. It is crucial for the world to acknowledge both its successes and failures, learning from its enduring legacy.

Important Points:
  • UDHR Overview:
    • Approved on December 10, 1948, in Paris by the UN General Assembly.
    • Response to the atrocities of World War II, shaping the post-war international order.
    • Comprises a preamble and 30 articles, covering civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
    • Despite being non-binding, it significantly influenced international human rights law.
  • Key Features of UDHR:
    • Universal applicability, transcending nationality, ethnicity, gender, or religion.
    • Preamble emphasizes inherent dignity and equal, inalienable rights.
    • 30 articles cover diverse rights, including life, liberty, freedom of religion, expression, assembly, work, education, and asylum.
  • Achievements of UDHR:
    • Globally recognized and inspired over 70 human rights treaties.
    • Catalyst for decolonization and anti-apartheid movements.
    • Inspires freedom fighters addressing gender, LGBTIQ+ issues, and fighting against racism.
  • Current Situation:
    • Faces challenges amid contemporary conflicts like Israel-Hamas, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and internal conflicts in Myanmar and Sudan.
    • Acknowledged by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for its misuse and abuse for political gain.
    • Despite challenges, Amnesty International asserts the ongoing relevance of the UDHR, showcasing a global vision for human rights.
Why In News

On December 10, 2023, the world commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), reflecting on its enduring significance in promoting and protecting the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual across the globe.

MCQs about The UDHR at 75

  1. What is the main purpose of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)?
    A. To establish a post-war international order
    B. To promote economic rights exclusively
    C. To enforce binding legal obligations
    D. To address conflicts between nations
    Correct Answer: A. To establish a post-war international order
    Explanation: The UDHR aimed to establish a common understanding of basic rights and freedoms, shaping the post-war international order.
  2. Which of the following is a key feature of the UDHR?
    A. Binding legal obligations for all nations
    B. Exclusively addressing political rights
    C. Universal applicability transcending nationality and other statuses
    D. Limited to 10 articles
    Correct Answer: C. Universal applicability transcending nationality and other statuses
    Explanation: The UDHR emphasizes universal applicability, transcending nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other status.
  3. What role did the UDHR play in global movements?
    A. Hindered decolonization efforts
    B. Served as a catalyst for anti-apartheid movements
    C. Exclusively influenced political movements
    D. Addressed only economic and social rights
    Correct Answer: B. Served as a catalyst for anti-apartheid movements
    Explanation: The UDHR served as a catalyst for anti-apartheid movements, contributing to global efforts against racial discrimination.
  4. what challenges does the UDHR face in the current situation?
    A. Limited impact on global treaties
    B. Misuse and abuse for political gain
    C. Exclusively applicable to certain regions
    D. Lack of inspiration for freedom movements
    Correct Answer: B. Misuse and abuse for political gain
    Explanation: The essay highlights that the UDHR faces challenges, including its misuse and abuse for political gain, as acknowledged by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

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