The Essay: Approximately 400 To 600 Words In Length

Theessay Approximately 400 To 600 Words In Length That You Will Writ

The essay, approximately 400 to 600 words in length, that you will write in the testing lab is as follows: How was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) similar to the Declaration of the Rights of the Russian People (1917), the French Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789), the American Declaration of Independence (1776) and the English Bill of Rights (1688)? (A copy of the UN text will be provided for you. Note that you DO NOT have to focus on the English Bill.)

Paper For Above instruction

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948 stands as a landmark document in the affirmation of fundamental human rights universally recognized across nations. Its core principles share significant similarities with earlier historical documents such as the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789), the American Declaration of Independence (1776), the Declaration of the Rights of the Russian People (1917), and the English Bill of Rights (1688). Although these documents emerged in diverse sociopolitical contexts and eras, their fundamental aspiration to define and protect human rights reveals a common thread of Enlightenment ideals, sovereignty, and the quest for justice and liberty.

One of the most notable similarities among these declarations is their emphasis on inherent human dignity and equality. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen asserts that "men are born and remain free and equal in rights." Similarly, the UDHR proclaims that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” (United Nations, 1948). These texts underscore that human rights are inherent and inalienable, regardless of social class, race, or nationality. This shared emphasis on equality underpins modern human rights discourse and reflects Enlightenment influences advocating reason and individual dignity as the basis for justice.

Another commonality lies in their support for the sovereignty of the people. The American Declaration of Independence famously declares the right of the people to alter or abolish oppressive governments, emphasizing the principle that sovereignty resides fundamentally with the populace. Likewise, the French Declaration emphasizes that sovereignty belongs to the people, asserting that "the principle of all sovereignty resides essentially in the nation." The UDHR also recognizes the importance of the free and equal participation of individuals in societal and governmental affairs, emphasizing the importance of political rights and freedoms for ensuring human dignity (United Nations, 1948).

The concept of legal rights and protections is central in all these documents. The English Bill of Rights, for example, established parliamentary sovereignty and limited monarchical power, laying the groundwork for constitutional governance. The Declaration of the Rights of Man enshrines rights such as freedom of speech, property rights, and security, which are echoed in the UDHR's articles concerning the right to life, liberty, and security of person. These texts collectively promote the idea that governments are instituted to safeguard these rights and serve the will of the people, emphasizing legal protections as essential to liberty and justice.

However, it is also crucial to recognize the different historical contexts of each document. The English Bill of Rights emerged as a response to monarchical absolutism, establishing parliamentary supremacy. The American Declaration of Independence was rooted in opposition to colonial rule and taxation without representation. The French Declaration occurred amidst revolutionary upheaval seeking to eradicate aristocratic privileges. The Russian Declaration aimed to articulate rights in the wake of a revolutionary overthrow. The UDHR, meanwhile, emerged from the Holocaust and World War II atrocities, seeking a universal framework to prevent future violations. Despite their contextual differences, all these documents reflect an overarching commitment to the principles of liberty, justice, and the recognition of human dignity.

Finally, the evolution of these declarations highlights an expanding scope—from the sovereignty of monarchs or aristocrats to the inherent rights of individuals universally. The progression signifies a broadening understanding that human rights are inalienable and should be protected by law and international norms. The UDHR synthesizes these historical principles into a comprehensive universal framework, emphasizing that human rights are not contextually or nationally bound but belong to every individual by virtue of their humanity.

In conclusion, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights shares profound similarities with earlier foundational documents in its core principles: the emphasis on human dignity, equality, sovereignty of the people, and legal rights. While each was shaped by its unique historical circumstances, collectively, they form the bedrock of modern human rights protections, continuously inspiring ongoing efforts to uphold and expand these rights worldwide.

References

• United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
• Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. (1789). French Revolution Archives. Retrieved from https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/rightsof.asp
• The Declaration of Independence. (1776). National Archives. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration
• Declaration of the Rights of the Russian People. (1917). Russian Historical Archive. Retrieved from https://library.rusarchives.ru
• The Bill of Rights (1688). UK Parliament. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/evolutionofparliament/parliamentaryhistory/collections/collections-bill-rights/
• Marshall, T. (2015). Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. Routledge.
• Hunt, L. (2007). Inventing Human Rights: A History. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Donnelly, J. (2013). Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice. Cornell University Press.
• Ishay, M. (2004). The History of Human Rights: From Ancient Times to the Globalization Era. University of California Press.
• Glendon, M. A. (2001). A World Made New: Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Random House.