30 Basic Human Rights Quiz

Overview of Human Rights

• Human rights establish moral principles that define acceptable standards of behavior and are legally enforced.
• Everyone is entitled to human rights from birth and these rights are protected by law.
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, in Paris.

Adoption and Voting

• The UDHR was endorsed by 48 of the then 58 UN member states.
• There were no votes against the declaration; eight member states abstained, and two did not participate.

Structure of the Declaration

• The document contains 30 articles outlining individual rights and freedoms.
• These rights include fundamental freedoms such as life, education, organization, and fair treatment.

Key Articles of Human Rights

• Human Dignity and Equality: All humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
• Non-Discrimination: Rights must be guaranteed without distinction based on race, sex, religion, or social status.
• Right to Life: Emphasizes the entitlement to life, liberty, and personal security.
• Prohibition of Slavery: Outlaws slavery and servitude in all forms.
• No Torture: Forbids torture and cruel, inhumane treatment.
• Legal Recognition: Everyone is entitled to recognition as a person before the law.
• Equality Before the Law: All individuals are equal and protected under the law without discrimination.
• Fair Trial Rights: Guarantees the right to an effective remedy and fair public hearings.
• Presumption of Innocence: Individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a fair trial.
• Right to Privacy: Protects against arbitrary interference in personal and family life.
• Freedom of Movement: Includes the right to travel and establish residence within borders and abroad.
• Right to Asylum: Allows individuals to seek asylum from persecution.
• National Identity: Everyone has the right to a nationality and to change their nationality.
• Rights to Marriage and Family: Entitles men and women to marry and establish a family without discrimination.
• Property Rights: Individuals have the right to own property and cannot be arbitrarily deprived of it.
• Freedom of Thought and Religion: Includes the right to hold and change beliefs without interference.
• Freedom of Opinion and Expression: Protects the right to share and receive information regardless of borders.
• Right to Assemble: Ensures freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
• Democratic Participation: Citizens are entitled to participate in their government and public service.
• Social Security Rights: Guarantees social security and the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights.
• Right to Work: Entitles individuals to employment with fair conditions and equal pay.
• Rest and Leisure: Ensures the right to reasonable work hours and periodic holidays.
• Adequate Living Standards: Requires a standard of living that supports health and well-being.
• Right to Education: Guarantees free elementary education and accessible higher education.
• Cultural Participation: Promotes participation in cultural life and enjoyment of the arts.
• Social Order for Rights: Advocates for a global social framework that ensures rights are realized.
• Community Duties: Emphasizes responsibilities to the community and allows limitations for collective rights.
• Indivisible Rights: States that rights cannot be taken away or used to justify actions against others' rights.

Conclusion

• The 30 human rights established by the UDHR should be respected and upheld by laws across nations.