The most important part in any legislation is observation of human rights. The core organization that monitors human rights violation is the United Nation. The importance of human rights had accelerated during post war period of the 20th century. A great leap forward in recognition of human rights took place at that period. To look back into the history, in 1944 the representatives of four major powers met at Dumbarton Oaks, Washington DC when the burning issue was oppression and genocide executed towards people of certain nationalities such as Jewish race in Europe and prisoners of war in Asia and Europe (Bailey). In addition, atomic weapon had to be seized under control to prevent the damage it could cause to the humankind. It resulted into the appearance of the UN to address the issues.
The unanimity of ways in protection of human rights was chosen as the most rational approach to settle international conflicts between representatives of particular races or religions. In order to meet the aims, the powers agreed on establishing the organization that later become the United Nations. The fundamental legislation issued by the UN was the Charter. There is an important reference to human rights provided in the preamble to the Charter. The aims and responsibilities of the Organization are laid down in the Charter by stating that "We the peoples of the United Nations are determined to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small" (Un.org). These words celebrate the essence of the UN foundation. The aforementioned statement is followed up by 6 references that provide human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the UN Charter.
As the outcome, the Commission of Human Rights was established. It is the main body that authorizes the UN Charter. Later, the Commission formulated the declaration that became known as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It sets standards of human rights for people of all ages, gender, race, religion, nationality. In the first preamble, the Declaration provides "the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world" throughout the “recognition of the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family" (Un.org). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is regarded as possibly the most important document of the 21st century as it refers to the whole humankind to ensure peace and national unity.
The Declaration contains 30 universal articles that describe security rights, liberty rights, political rights, due process rights, equality rights, welfare rights, group rights that are laid down in the Declaration. Yet, the Carter touches upon the work of the organization in general. It bares obligation to the member states and obliges to promote “universal respect for, and observance of, human rights” and to take “joint and separate action” (Un.org). The preamble and the charter includes purposes of the UN; criteria for membership; the organs and institutions of the UN; arrangements for integrating the UN with established international law; and the enforcement powers of UN bodies (Bailey). The promotion of human rights stated at the Declaration has reference in Article 1 of the United Nations Charter along with the establishment of a commission for the promotion of human rights has mentioning in Article 68. The UN has created special bodies to monitor human rights abuse. The organization has authorized representatives, UN special reporters, experts and working groups in all member countries. They assist in the development of national institutions of human rights and also in launching education campaigns. Despite the legislation, the inalienable human rights are still not recognized unexceptionally.
Works cited
Bailey, Peter. “The creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” Retrieved from http://www.universalrights.net/main/creation.htm
United Nations. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/
