St. Thomas Law Review
First Page
665
Document Type
Article
Abstract
As we approach the Fiftieth Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General Assembly of the United Nations, it is fitting to commemorate that historic event, and to assess the progress that has been made in achieving the fundamental principles of human rights and freedoms that it proclaims. Upon its adoption on December 10, 1948, it was hailed "as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and for all nations." High hopes were expressed that this Declaration would soon become a new Magna Carta of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all people throughout the world. Notwithstanding some unfulfilled expectations, one must view with great satisfaction the emergence of a human rights awareness and an international law of human rights. This body of human rights law, which deals with the promotion and protection of human rights, owes much to the Declaration and to the United Nations Human Rights system that has developed. Indeed, in 1993 at the United Nations Conference on Human Rights, more than one hundred nations reaffirmed "their commitment to the purposes and principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."
Recommended Citation
Edward D. Re,
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Domestic Courts,
14
St. Thomas L. Rev.
665
(2002).
Available at:
https://scholarship.stu.edu/stlr/vol14/iss4/2