The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, passed on 10 December 1948, was one of the most significant milestones of the 20^th century. It was the first text to recognize that each individual is entitled to fundamental rights and freedoms which make us all equal to one another, regardless of nationality, religion, profession or ethnicity. In just 50 minutes, you will find out how this declaration shaped events in the world for decades to come and understand its profound influence on human rights throughout the world.

This straightforward and informative book provides a thorough discussion of the key moments in the development of this monumental bill, the role played by the United Nations and the symbolic significance that the text took on in a war-torn, divided world. It also features a full biography of the key protagonists, including the former American First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, a valuable introduction to the political, social and economic context and an evaluation of the impact of the declaration, giving you all the essential information about this milestone in human history.

About the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created in the years immediately following the chaos and destruction of the Second World War and aimed to ensure the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The path to the recognition of these rights was not an easy one: it was blocked by colonization, absolutist monarchies and brutal dictators. The text took two years to finish, and the drafting of the statement itself was led by Eleanor Roosevelt, the former First Lady of the United States. In theory, it grants complete equality to all the people of the world.

This clear and accessible 57-page book is structured as follows:

• Introduction to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Political, social and economic context
  • The 19^th century: a changing world
  • The devastating effects of war
  • The United Nations
• Key protagonists
  • Eleanor Roosevelt
  • René Cassin
• A history of human rights
  • Britain, the precursor of human rights
  • The time for declarations
  • The slow acquisition of rights
  • New hope: the UN and universal rights
  • Freedom in 30 articles: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Impact of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
  • The protectors of human rights
  • The fight continues
• Summary
• Text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights