The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the first, international document that protects human rights. Work on it began in 1947, and was officially adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on the December 10, 1948. Without a doubt, its origin and its final shape was affected by the events of World War II and the enormity of Nazi crimes.
Another reason because of which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has become a priority for the United Nations, was the fact that established in 1945 the Charter of the United Nations only touches in general the subject of human rights. Therefore, work began on the Declaration, which was supposed to ever since defend the freedom and dignity of the citizens of the world. The work was supervised by Canadian John Peters, and a major role in promoting the instrument was played by Eleanor Roosevelt.
In the United States Declaration was adopted unanimously. The next step was to urge all Member States to accept the provisions of the Declaration, disseminate and explain them. Only 8 countries left the question unanswered: Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the communist countries – including Poland.
The biggest shortcoming of the Declaration was that it was established as a resolution, therefore, had no legal effect. It was not binding international law. Nowadays, the Declaration is also referred to as a customary law. In 1966, on the basis of this document, a number of international treaties were signed, accompanied by another in subsequent years.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights comprises 30 articles, speaking, among others about the equality of all people, their right to life, to have their own property, to have personal views and religion and to participate in public life and society.