The United Nations General Assembly approved the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948.

The approval of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, was a significant milestone in the history of human rights. The declaration was the first global expression of the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, or gender.

Background:
Before the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there had been various regional declarations and conventions addressing human rights. However, the atrocities committed during World War II highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive and universally accepted framework for human rights. The United Nations, which was established in 1945, recognized the importance of protecting and promoting human rights as one of its core objectives.

The Process:
The process of drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights began in 1946. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights, headed by Eleanor Roosevelt, played a crucial role in drafting the declaration. A drafting committee consisting of representatives from different countries worked on the text, which underwent several revisions and consultations over the course of two years.

The Approval:
On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly gathered in Paris to consider and adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration was presented and discussed extensively during the assembly session. Eventually, the declaration was put to a vote, and it received overwhelming support from the member states. There were no votes against the declaration, although some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, abstained from voting.

Content and Significance:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights consists of 30 articles that outline the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals. It covers a wide range of rights, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. The declaration recognizes the inherent dignity and equal rights of all human beings and emphasizes principles such as non-discrimination, freedom of thought and expression, and the right to education, work, and an adequate standard of living.

The approval of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights marked a major achievement in the field of human rights. It established a common standard for human rights that all nations should strive to uphold. The declaration has since served as a foundation for the development of international human rights law and has inspired numerous national and regional human rights instruments. It continues to be a crucial reference point for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.