UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Adopted and Proclaimed by General Assembly Resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights expresses "a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations", the Declaration includes a preamble and thirty articles establishing fundamental human rights, whether they be civil, political, social, economic or cultural rights and which should be enjoyed by all of humanity. The Declaration profits from an international recognition since the norms that are included in it are now considered as part of the international customary law.

The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, fifty two years ago, represented a major event, the pertinence of which must never be forgotten. The concepts of universality and indivisibility of fundamental rights should also be remembered. In 1948, the predominant values were individualism, secularity and nationalism. Half a century later, the world is still, and to a greater degree, confronted with oppositions. Collective rights are opposing individual rights, religious convictions are opposed to secularized engagements and globalisation opposes interests. Human rights are still widely violated and the world is horror stricken acts of barbarity and genocide.