The word “human rights” might sound like a modern concept, but the idea that everyone has basic rights dates back to the earliest civilizations. The ancient world saw advances in equality and freedom, but even then there were many issues that needed to be addressed. Slavery was a major problem, and women were often treated as less than equal. In many places, dissenting voices were not tolerated and were silenced. The modern world saw the abolition of slavery and more freedoms for citizens, but there were still many problems that could not be solved by government action alone. In 1948, after the horrific losses of World War II, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR laid out a common understanding of people’s basic rights and created a framework for a global community that would respect and cherish each other’s dignity.
Human rights are important because they ensure that every person is treated fairly, and that people can hold their governments accountable for any violations. They are also important because they help to prevent conflicts and war. In the future, it is our hope that human rights will be a part of the way we live, in our daily lives, at work and in school.
This is the first Article of the UDHR, and it lays out the groundwork for the entire document. It states that all people are born free and equal, and no one should be treated differently based on race or ethnicity, religion, political beliefs, sex, or national or social origin.
Article 19 of the UDHR says that every person has the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. In our modern times, this means that you can express your opinions freely on the internet and in newspapers.
Article 26 of the UDHR says that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care. This is a fundamental principle that should be respected by all countries, even those with much wealth.
The UDHR makes it clear that all people are protected by international law, and the UN has a responsibility to monitor and take steps to protect individuals and groups from abuse. It is important to understand that human rights are not something the United Nations can control, but rather, a set of principles that each country should acknowledge and honor.
As you read through the articles of the UDHR, please keep in mind that there are three levels of human rights laws: international law, constitutional laws and those written into your Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms(opens in new tab). You can find more background information about specific aspects of Canadian human rights in the Background Guides section.