Do You Know the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

I wonder how many people, or even just Americans, are as much as aware of the existence of this document, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Of that small group, I wonder how many have read it, or even scanned it.

The UDHR is arguably one of the most profound documents ever drafted, a testament to the better side of humanity. Much like the Declaration of Independence, although, obviously broader, it paints the picture of a world in which all people ...not just Americans, but all people .... have inalienable rights. If you have any sincere interest in a world of cooperation rather than a world of perpetual conflict, power struggles and war, I suggest you at least read the first twenty articles — and while doing so, consider how, if applied, they would change our world.

I hope you will converse about the salient points listed in any article of your choice here.

Here is the text from The Unverisal Declaration of Human Rights, taken from www.un.org:

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

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, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.