The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document, which underpins all international human rights law. The Declaration consists of 30 articles and it was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948 in Paris. The UDHR has a unique character by containing civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights in a single text which, although not legally binding themselves have been elaborated in subsequent international and regional human rights treaties and national constitutions. During the adoption of the Declaration in the United Nations General Assembly, Eleanor Roosevelt stated that the UDHR “may well become the international Magna Carta of all men everywhere”. Since its adoption in 1948 UDHR has been an effective reference to empower countless people for protecting their rights and freedoms. The Declaration will surely continue to be the cornerstone to human rights law that is in the continuous process of development for protecting human autonomy and human dignity.

10 December, which is the date of adoption of the UDHR, is celebrated annually across the world as “Human Rights Day”.