With reference to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, answer the following questions:

(a) Why was it necessary to bring about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

(b) What is the importance of Articles 1 and 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

(c) Give three reasons for the importance of Human Rights today.

(a) It was necessary to bring about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights because of the following reasons:

1. The Second World War witnessed large-scale destruction of human life and gross violation of human rights.
2. The United Nations felt the need to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.
3. Therefore, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted on 10 December 1948 as a common standard of rights for all people.

(b) Articles 1 and 2 are important because they lay down the very foundation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

1. Article 1 states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
2. Article 2 states that everyone is entitled to the rights and freedoms in the Declaration without discrimination based on race, colour, sex, language, religion, or any other status.
3. Together, these Articles establish freedom, equality, dignity and non-discrimination as the basis of all Human Rights.

(c) Human Rights are important today because:

1. They protect the dignity, freedom and equality of every individual and safeguard people against discrimination, exploitation and injustice.
2. They are essential for the maintenance of peace, justice and democracy in the world.
3. They form the basis of most of the work of the UN and ensure civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of all the people in the world.