Learn more about some of the Themes woven into the Universal Declaration of Human Rights


Each month leading up to the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of the campaign partners will highlight a specific area of the rights contained in Universal Declaration; teaching you about its roots, where it stands today, and how you can get more involved.

Women's Rights are Human Rights

Women's Rights are Human Rights

Article 2 of the Universal Declaration affirms that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Right to Health

Right to Health

Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. Article 25 states that "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family".

Freedom of Expression

Freedom of Expression

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) affirms that "everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."

Responsibility to Protect

Responsibility to Protect

Article 1 of the Universal Declaration states that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights". Article 3 affirms that "everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person"; Article 28 states that "Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized".

Freedom from Fear, Preventing Torture

Freedom from Fear, Preventing Torture

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights' Preamble states that "freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people". Article 3 states that "everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person"; Article 4 that "no one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms"; and Article 9 that "no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile".
The Right to Freedom from Hunger

The Right to Freedom from Hunger

Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that, “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family, including food…” Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) states that everyone has “…the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger…”
Right to Decent Work

Right to Decent Work

Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family." Article 22 guarantees the right to social security. Article 23 affirms the right to work, as well as to "equal pay for equal work" and "just and favourable remuneration."