I happened to trip over a commercial that is being run by Youth for Human Rights International, concerning the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The full text of the UDHR is posted here.

Overall, the basic tenants are familiar:  Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, just expanded upon.

After reading through the UDHR, it occurs to me that there are less than a handful of nations where even a majority of the 30 (that’s right, 30!) enumerated rights enjoyed by the population.

In the vast majority of nations in the world, few if any of these “rights” are enjoyed by any but the societal elite; the United States being a one of the exceptions.

The first 21 articles deal with fairly fundamental issues, though a few venture somewhat far afield.  I think the Bill of Rights did a better job, far more succinctly.

ARTICLE 1… All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

ARTICLE 2… Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status

ARTICLE 3… Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

ARTICLE 4… No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
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Tags: Rights