Human Rights articles 1 to 30

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 21 explanation establishes the foundational right to participate in the government of one’s country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives. This article states: “(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. (2) Everyone has the … Read more

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 20 explanation establishes the fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of association, the twin pillars of collective civic action. This article states: “(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. (2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.” In essence, … Read more

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 19 explanation establishes the essential right to freedom of opinion and expression, a cornerstone of democratic societies. This article states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas … Read more

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 18 explanation establishes the most intimate of all human freedoms: the right to one’s own thoughts, conscience, and religion. This article states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or … Read more

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 17 explanation establishes the fundamental right to own property, both individually and in association with others. This article states: “(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others. (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.” In essence, the … Read more

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 16 explanation establishes the right to family life as a fundamental human liberty. This article states: “(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights … Read more

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 15 explanation establishes the often-overlooked but fundamental right to belong to a political community. This article states: “(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality. (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.” In clear terms, the Universal … Read more

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 14 explanation establishes the vital right of individuals to seek safety from persecution in other countries. This article states: “(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. (2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely … Read more

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 13 explanation establishes the fundamental right to liberty of movement and residence. This article states: “(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. (2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to … Read more

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 12 explanation establishes the essential right to a private life, free from unwarranted intrusion. This article declares: “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of … Read more