From Declaration to Action: How the UN Upholds Human Rights on the Global Stage

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a document establishing fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

The UDHR is grounded in the principles of freedom, justice, and peace, with particular emphasis on human dignity as its keystone. Among the rights it promotes are the right to life, liberty, and security of person (Article 3), the right to freedom of speech and opinion (Article 19), and the right to education (Article 26). 

Though adopted as a response to the atrocities of World War II, today the UDHR serves as the first foundation of modern international human rights law, paving the way for subsequent human rights treaties regionally and internationally. 

From Declaration to Action: UN Mechanisms in Practice

A crucial role in the application of the fundamental principles and values outlined in the UDHR is played by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), an intergovernmental body composed of 47 member states, responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. The UNHRC provides both a forum for discussion and a platform to take action on human rights issues. 

The UNHRC uses mechanisms such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to assess human rights situations in all UN Member States equally. This mechanism promotes accountability and dialogue among states, providing a space for each State to illustrate the actions taken to fulfil their obligation and for them to request assistance where needed.

For the same purpose, under its Special Procedures, the Council may appoint special rapporteurs, independent experts or working groups through a mandate to undertake country visits, conduct studies, engage and advocate for the development of international human rights standards. Additionally, individuals or groups experiencing human rights violations can directly submit their cases through the UNHRC’s Complaint Procedure, available in all UN Member States. 

To address the issues, the UNHRC instituted the Advisory Committee where professionals can provide expertise and advice on thematic human rights challenges. 

From Declaration to Action Today: 2024-2027 Human Rights Management Plan

In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the UDHR, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) published a Vision Statement titled “Human Rights: A Path for Solutions” in which it emphasizes the importance of the human rights system and encourages collaboration between global and regional mechanisms, as well as the active involvement of organizations and individuals.

Based on the Vision Statement’s content, the OHCHR created the 2024-2027 Management Plan aimed at achieving the UN Human Rights goal of ensuring “all human rights, for everyone, everywhere”.  This plan requires the application of international human rights mechanisms, as implemented through the UNHRC, to hold states accountable for their international human rights obligations. 

Equally important are core human rights principles such as participation, non-discrimination, and accountability, which must be applied within global and regional frameworks as well as within individuals, groups and organizations. Ultimately, the goal is the promotion of development, peace and security.

Moving forward, the UN’s four-year plan will focus on six strategic directions: rebuilding trust in global human rights efforts, fostering inclusion and equality, promoting a human rights based economy, integrating human rights into early warning and global protection, leveraging digital technologies to advance human rights, and ensuring environmental action is aligned with core human rights principles. 

References:

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the 21st Century: A Living Document in a Changing World 

• Human Rights Council” Booklet from UNHRC

• Human Rights: A Path for Solutions

• UN Human Rights Management Plan 2024-2027