Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, it set out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

Discover the Declaration

The power of the Universal Declaration is the power of ideas to change the world. It inspires us to continue working to ensure that all people can gain freedom, equality and dignity.

• Read the Declaration
• Discover the articles in social media
• Listen to the Declaration
  UDHR Audio/Video Project

The original records

The Declaration was adopted by the UN General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 during its 183rd plenary meeting.

• View the original resolution.

• Explore the meeting record for the historic adoption.

• Examine the voting record.

• And for more information about the history of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, discover research guides and resources.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Exhibit

We maintain a worldwide collection of materials on the Declaration, which is permanently based at our Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. If you wish to send us Declaration materials or translations, please contact us.