ABSTRACT
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is one of the most significant documents ever drafted. It enshrines the concept of human rights broadly, to include not only political rights but also social and economic rights. Universally accepted, the UDHR has formed the basis of many constitutions around the world. One of the greatest strengths of the UDHR is its acceptance around the world as a cornerstone of human rights. According to Gemma Crijns of Nyenrode University, formerly with Amnesty International, approximately 80 conventions, declarations and resolutions have been developed from the UDHR on a variety of human rights issues. British Telecommunications provides its employees with access to the UDHR and uses it in its training. The drafters of the UDHR were predominantly of Western background, leading some critics to argue that the concept of human rights is a ‘Western’ notion.
