1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights

2. Before the Declaration Countries signing the UN Charter vowed to stand behind the goal of “promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.” Question to ask: Is this prescriptive or a “helpful suggestion”?

3. Before the Declaration The UN Charter stated that the UN could not interfere with internal affairs of countries unless the Security Council decided that there was a threat to world peace. Question to ask: What does this mean for the rights of people inside countries that don’t listen to the UN?

4. Commission on Human Rights More protection needed! UN sets up Commission on Human Rights Its job: to create an international bill of rights for the whole world. Step one: create a Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

5. Universal Declaration of Human Rights Adopted on December 10, 1948. Written by a Canadian lawyer from Montréal. Now accompanied by two other documents that expand its power. This document is not law. The UN cannot force governments to obey.

6. Universal Declaration of Human Rights What does it do? Sets a standard for member governments to follow. Lays out the rights that should belong to all humans, everywhere. Question to ask: How does the UN back up the terms of the declaration if it cannot force governments directly?

7. Universal Declaration of Human Rights The UN can… Take action if it finds evidence of abuses, by means of embargo or otherwise ostracizing the guilty party. Question to ask: How else could the UN penalize countries for human rights abuses, without resorting to violence?

8. Universal Declaration of Human Rights What kinds of things does the Declaration cover? All humans are born free and equal; Everyone has a right to justice; Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; Everyone has the right to education; Everyone has the right to freedom of movement. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. And more…

9. Universal Declaration of Human Rights Question to ask: is this true or false? Warning for the next slide…

10. Universal Declaration of Human Rights Member of the United Nations: Syria (Syrian Arab Republic)

11. Universal Declaration of Human Rights Member of the United Nations: China

12. Universal Declaration of Human Rights Member of the United Nations: United States