The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Universal Declaration of Human Rights – "Born Free and Equal"
"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."
The UDHR was drafted by an international and multi-faith commission in the aftermath of World War II. Christian, Confucian, Hindu, Muslim, and secular voices all contributed to a document that recognized, for the first time, that every human being holds rights not because a government grants them, but because they are human.
This is the direct ancestor of Article I — Inherent Worth and Article II — The Right to a Dignified Life. The UDHR names rights to food, housing, healthcare, education, and work. Rights we have made concrete and actionable through our political ministry.
It is not a religious scripture, but for us, it is a sacred text of the global conscience.
Connection to Our Charter
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the foundational document for Article I's principle of Inherent Worth and Article II's commitment to a Dignified Life. Its multi-faith origins demonstrate that human dignity transcends any single tradition, making it a natural bridge for our interfaith political ministry.
Further Reading & Resources
-
Full UDHR text
Complete text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from the United Nations.
-
History of the UDHR drafters
Learn about the women who shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.