ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the attribute of international human rights that is usually considered essential: their unity or indivisibility. While the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must be borne in mind, it is the duty of States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The emphasis on indivisibility arose when it came time to translate the principles embedded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into legally binding treaty commitments. The idea that human rights are universal and indivisible speaks to a firmly held belief that human rights, as fundamental and necessary for human dignity, constitute an organic and inviolable whole. The achievement of lasting progress in the implementation of human rights is dependent upon sound and effective national and international policies of economic and social development.
