Human Rights, Universal Declaration of

Eleanor Roosevelt holding a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Mrs Roosevelt was chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights 1946-51, and was instrumental in the preparation of the declaration.

Charter of civil and political rights drawn up by the United Nations in 1948. They include the right to life, liberty, education, and equality before the law; to freedom of movement, religion, association, and information; and to a nationality.

Under the European Convention of Human Rights of 1950, the Council of Europe established the European Commission of Human Rights, which investigates complaints by states or individuals. Its findings are examined by the European Court of Human Rights (established in 1959), whose compulsory jurisdiction (legal power) has been recognized by a number of states, including the UK.

Human-Rights Day is 10 December, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN General Assembly. The declaration is not legally binding, and the frequent contraventions are monitored by organizations such as Amnesty International. Human rights were also an issue at the Helsinki Conference 1972-75.