Universal Declaration of Human Rights

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The Encyclopedia of Conservatism

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The Editors of The Encyclopedia of Conservatism

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The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an international document which declares the rights of all humans.
Conservatives support most of the fundamental rights mentioned in the UDHR, but express concerns about international interference and cultural relativism.
Conservatives argue that with these rights come obligations but that it is not always government’s role to fulfill these obligations.

Introduction

A group examines a Universal Declaration of Human Rights poster in 1950. With fundamental freedoms under attack, it is clear new methods are needed to defend them.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is an international document adopted by the United Nations that declares the rights of all human beings. It was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, and it serves as a foundational document for international human rights law.^[1]

The UDHR was drafted in response to the atrocities of World War II and the recognition of the need to establish a common standard of human rights to prevent future conflicts and promote peace and justice worldwide. It was formulated by representatives from diverse cultural, legal, and philosophical backgrounds, drawing on the principles of equality, dignity, and freedom inherent to all human beings.

The UDHR consists of 30 articles that outline a set of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights to which all individuals are entitled, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, or other status. These rights include the right to life, liberty, and security of person; freedom of speech, religion, and assembly; the right to work, education, and healthcare; and protection from discrimination, torture, and arbitrary detention.

It is worth noting that all 193 members of the UN have ratified at least one of the nine binding treaties influenced by the UNDHR, and it has been translated into over 500 languages.

Conservative Perspective

Support for Fundamental Rights

Conservatives support the principles outlined in the UDHR that affirm fundamental human rights and freedoms, such as the right to life, liberty, security of person, freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. Conservatives argue that these rights are essential for upholding human dignity and contribute to the overall well-being of society, fostering freedom and justice.^[2]

Sovereignty and International Oversight

Conservatives express skepticism about the role of international organizations, such as the United Nations, in overseeing and enforcing human rights standards. For instance, conservatives are skeptical of article 22 of UDHR (i.e. the right to social security). Although conservatives support certain social security programs, it is debatable whether that is a right. Moreover, the idea of an international body pushing for policies on such vaguely worded articles is potentially dangerous and over-reaching.

Conservatives point that excessive focus on rights without corresponding obligations and responsibilities leads to entitlement and dependency on government. That’s why conservatives emphasize the importance of individual responsibility and self-reliance, believing that individuals should take primary responsibility for their own well-being and success.