The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, it set out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

The Declaration was adopted by the UN General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 during its 183rd plenary meeting:

• Text: Resolution 217 A (III)
• Voting information: Meeting record and Voting record

For more information about the history of the UDHR, see our UDHR research guides and resources.

One of the most translated documents in the world

Translated into hundreds of languages and dialects from Abkhaz to Zulu, the UDHR set a world record in 1999 for being the most translated document in the world. Our goal is to share the UDHR with the entire world, and anyone is welcome to contribute a new translation that is not already in the collection. Search translations >>

UDHR exhibit

We also maintain a worldwide collection of materials on the Declaration, which is permanently based at our Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. If you wish to send us UDHR materials, please contact us.