The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted and proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, stands as the greatest achievement in our global social development. "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." (Art. 1 UDHR) The UDHR is the most fundamental catalog of human rights for the international community, representing the common ideal to be achieved by all peoples and nations.
With this declaration, we complete the circle that began with humanistic thinking. Humanistic thinking was the first step on a path that led to a human-centered international order. In this new order, individuals are no longer constrained by state or religious institutions in their actions.
Human rights are based on three pillars:
Freedom: All individuals possess freedom of thought, conscience, religion, press, and expression, which are protected by human rights.
Equality: All individuals are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection without any discrimination based on race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status. Everyone is entitled to equal protection against all forms of discrimination; full gender equality is ensured.
Solidarity: All individuals also possess economic and social rights, such as the right to social security, fair wages, the right to an adequate standard of living, health, and the right to access education, which is an integral part of the human rights system.
Human rights are categorized into political, civil, economic, social, and cultural rights. They are limited by the rights and freedoms of others and by the requirements of morality, public order, and the general welfare in a democratic society (Art. 29 UDHR). The rights of others must be recognized, not just tolerated. Individual human rights must not be used to violate other human rights (Art. 30 UDHR).
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