As many of us know, the United Nations (or UN) formed in 1945 after the atrocities of World War 2 and the Holocaust. This organisation came together to prevent such crimes against humanity occurring again and to be a Governing body of International Law. They are peacekeepers, humanitarians, educators, Lawmakers, and leaders in action against climate change.
However, in my opinion; one of the most important actions that the UN has performed was the creation and implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This important document has 30 articles (30 human rights) and declares the rights of every man, woman and child on planet earth. The articles cover a broad range of topics from slavery, to education, to religion and even living standards. Basically stating that every human being has the same rights and should be treated equally. A simplified list of these Human rights are below
- Freedom and Equality for all
- The right to be Free from discrimination
- The right to life, liberty and personal security
- The right to be free from slavery
- The right to not be tortured, or treated cruelly, inhumanly, or degraded as a form of punishment
- The right to be recognised as a person before the law
- The right to be seen equally in the eyes of the law
- The right to an effective national tribunal
- The right to not be arbitrarily arrested, detained or exiled unfairly
- The right to a fair public trial
- The right to be innocent until proven guilty
- The right to privacy
- The right to move freely in and out of each Country
- The right to seek asylum
- The right to a nationality
- The right to marriage
- The right to own property
- Freedom of religion and thought.
- Freedom of opinion and information
- The right to Peace
- The right to be a participate in Free Elections and Government
- The right to social security
- The right to do desirable work and to join trade unions
- The right to rest and leisure
- The right to adequate living standards and social protections
- The right to an education
- The right to culture of community
- The right to a free and fair world
- Freedom to complete Community Duties
- The right to Human Rights that nobody can take away
See the full document for The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Here:
It may (or may not) be hard to believe that many Western countries are in breach of at least a few of these 30 Human rights, and in their defence, some are easier to follow than others. However, as broad as the topics are that these Human Rights seem to cover, I personally believe that they are all important and should be met.
Furthermore, I think it is important that people have a better understanding of these Human Rights, why they are in place to protect all of us and to ensure that every human being is given enough to live a substantial life.