Importance Of Human Rights

Why Was It Necessary?

Human rights are necessary for our world to continue to operate peacefully. But at one time human rights did not exist. Prior to the Second World War, “as long as governments did not interfere with the rights of neighboring countries, it could abuse its citizens in any way it wanted and never run afoul of international law strictures” (Bedesman, 2006, pp. 97). Like most laws, change only comes when extreme circumstances occur, such as World War 2 with regards to the Nazi’s. It became necessary for some type of international law to protect human rights. The United Nations came into being as an intergovernmental organization, with the purpose of saving future generations from the devastation of international conflict. At this time The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted.

This declaration is a milestone document in the history of human rights. The first time human rights have been outlined formally. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948 as a common standard of

The preamble describes the importance of human rights and relations between nations. In the Preamble, the Declaration reads, “it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations.” (UDHR) Showing, not only does this declaration focus on human rights between country and citizen, but also country to country. Most importantly, “The General Assembly proclaims the declaration as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations… every organ of society shall strive and recognize.” (The UN) After the preamble the declaration is broken up into 30 articles. Where articles 3 through 21 outline civil and political rights, and articles 22 through 27 detail economic, social, and cultural