Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Visions of the World Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Article.Sentence) or (Preamble.Sentence)

Quote #1

Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance. (Preamble.8)

"Universal," "all," "every"—get the point?

Quote #2

Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. (14.1)

The declaration envisions a global system in which countries protect not only their own citizens, but outsiders as well. This was tragically not the case leading up to World War II, when the United States and other countries rejected Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. Just as tragically, it's still not the case, as countries are closing their borders to the brutalized refugees of Syria, to cite just one example.

Quote #3

The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State. (16.4)

In the ideology of the declaration, the family is the group that allows you to develop into a contributing member of society. You know, instead of a political party or program like the Hitler Youth. Protecting the rights of families is really an extension of protecting the rights of individuals. A totalitarian government, in order to be successful, has to weaken those family bonds, especially if your parents are those annoying subversive types who don't want you to join the Nazi Party or ISIS.