December 10 is the 45th Anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. How many of the following 29 human rights do we believe in and enjoy? How are these rights being threatened today?Universal Declaration of Human Rights
All human beings
1. Are born free and should all be treated in the same way
2. Are equal despite difference in race, sex, language, etc.
3. Have the right to life and to live in freedom and safety
4. Should be free from slavery
5. Should not be subjected to torture
6. Have the right to be recognized before the law
7. Have the right to be treated equally before the law
8. Have the right to ask for legal help when their rights are not respected
9. Have the right to not be imprisioned unjustly
10. Have the right to a fair trial
11. Have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty
12. Have the right to privacy
13. Have the right to travel within and to and from their own country
14. Have the right to political asylum
15. Have the right to a nationality
16. Have the right to marry
17. Have the right to own property
18. Have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion
19. Have the right to freedom of opinion and expression
20. Have the right to meet with others
21. Have the right to take part in government matters and to vote
22. Have the right to social security (i.e., to have basic needs met)
23. Have the right to work and to join a trade union
24. Have the right to rest and leisure
25. Have the right to an adequate standard of living and medical help
26. Have the right to an education
27. Have the right to take part in their community’s cultural life
28. Are entitled to a social and international order that can provide these rights
29. Must respect the rights of others
Pope John II says of this document….
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains one of the highest espressions of the human
conscience of our time. [All over the world] men and women of conviction and courage have appealed
to this declaration in support of their claims for a fuller share in the life of society.”
Pope John Paul II, Address to the Fiftieth General Assembly of the United Nations, 1995
