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Every year on December 10, the world observes Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of one of the most influential moral and legal documents in modern history: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The Most Translated Document in Human History — And Its Deep Impact on Legal Systems Worldwide
The UDHR has been translated into more than 500 languages, making it the most translated document in human history. This is not merely a numerical achievement; it reflects the universal intelligibility and appeal of the Declaration’s core values: human dignity, freedom, equality, and justice.
Yet the influence of the UDHR extends far beyond translation.
Over the past seven decades:
- Its principles—and in many cases, its exact wording—have been incorporated into the constitutions and ordinary legislation of numerous countries around the world.
- National and international courts have repeatedly cited the UDHR, relying on its articles and sometimes its precise phrasing to protect fundamental rights and freedoms.
In this sense, the Declaration is not only a global ethical text; it has become a living instrument woven into the legal, judicial, and social frameworks of many nations. This legal influence demonstrates that human rights values are not abstract ideals but practical standards for shaping just and equitable societies.
This Year’s Theme: Solidarity for Protecting Human Dignity
This year’s global theme emphasizes solidarity, shared responsibility, and collective action to safeguard the dignity of every human being. At a time of rising conflict, discrimination, displacement, and humanitarian crises, the message is clear: human rights are universal and indivisible—not subject to political convenience or selective interpretation.
The Women Who Helped Shape the UDHR
Several remarkable women played decisive roles in drafting the UDHR:
- Eleanor Roosevelt (United States) — Chair of the drafting committee and the driving force behind the Declaration.
- Hansa Mehta (India) — Advocated for the historic change from “all men” to “all human beings,” ensuring the inclusive character of the UDHR.
- Begum Shaista Ikramullah (Pakistan) — A strong defender of women’s rights who contributed meaningfully to principles of equality and essential freedoms.
Their contributions highlight an enduring truth: inclusive global leadership, especially meaningful participation of women, is essential to building a just and humane world.
The Universality of Human Rights: A Necessary Reaffirmation
Attempts to weaken the universality of the UDHR—whether through cultural relativism, appeals to national interest, or the doctrine of “my country first”—pose serious risks.
It must be reaffirmed that human rights belong to all human beings, everywhere. They are not the property of any single culture, government, or ideology. No tradition, political justification, or geopolitical rivalry can legitimize denying people their basic rights to freedom, justice, safety, and dignity.
Final Reflection
Human Rights Day invites us to renew our collective commitment to the values that sustain a just and humane world: dignity, justice, solidarity, mutual respect, and the protection of every human being.
The Roya Institute affirms that defending human rights is a shared moral responsibility—one that can only be fulfilled through cooperation among civil society, governments, international organizations, and people across the globe.