The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

In 1945 the former first lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt, pushed the United Nations to create a committee of leading thinkers from different parts of the world to draft a charter on human rights. The declaration of human rights that this group created in 1947 became the template that most nations used when creating legislation to provide fair treatment for all citizens. 

Activity to learn about The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 

Objective: To understand the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its role in protecting human rights globally.

Materials:

• Copies of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Instructions:

1. Divide the class into small groups and distribute copies of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to each group.

2. Ask each group to read through the Declaration and identify 5 key provisions.

3. Have each group present their 5 provisions to the class and have a class discussion on their significance.

4. On the whiteboard, create a mind map or timeline of the events leading up to the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including key individuals and organizations involved.

5. As a class, discuss the following questions:

   • Why was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights created?

   • What are some of the challenges in ensuring its provisions are upheld globally?

   • How does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights impact individuals and communities?

   • How can individuals and communities advocate for human rights locally and globally?