Context:
Human Rights 75, an initiative to mark the 75th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
- Motivated by past world wars, UDHR was approved by the U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) on Dec. 10, 1948.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
- A global document that establishes the human rights and civil liberty of every person in the world.
- Based on – Vienna Declaration and Program of Action of 1993.
- Proclaimed by – United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 (UNGA resolution 217 A).
Human Rights Day, celebrated annually on December 10, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1948.
Key Features –
- Recognises that ‘the inherent dignity of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world’.
- Declares that human rights are universal – to be enjoyed by all people, no matter who they are or where they live.
- 30 fundamental rights encompassing –
- Civil and political rights, such as the rights to life, liberty and privacy.
- Economic, social and cultural rights, such as the rights to social security, health and adequate housing.
- International Bill of Human Rights includes –
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
- International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
- Legality –
- Not a treaty and Not legally binding in itself
- Basis for international human rights law and principles are part of legally binding international agreements.
- Achievements –
- Inspired and paved the way for more than 70 human rights treaties at global and regional levels.
- Inspired the decolonization movement, anti-apartheid movement and on gender issues and even on LGBTIQ+ issues.
- India and UDHR –
- India is a signatory
- Hansa Mehta (a member of India’s Constituent Assembly) – credited with altering “All men are born free and equal” to “All human beings are born free and equal” in Article 1 of the UDHR.
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements:
1. It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision.
2. It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year.
3. It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 3 only
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
A Credentials Committee is appointed at the beginning of each regular session of the General Assembly. Usually, the committee meets in November, with the report presented before the general body in December.
