a. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights consists of a Preamble and 30 articles, setting out the human rights and
fundamental freedoms to which all men and women are entitled, without distinction of any kind.
The Universal Declaration recognizes that the inherent dignity of all mem- bers of the human family is the
foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. It recognizes fundamental rights which are the inherent
rights of every human being including, inter alia, the right to life, liberty and security of person; the right to
an adequate standard of living; the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution in other countries; the right
to freedom of opinion
and expression; the right to education, freedom of thought, conscience and religion; and the right to freedom
from torture and degrading treatment. These inherent rights are to be enjoyed by every man, woman and child
throughout the world, as well as by all groups in society.
Today, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is widely regarded as forming part of customary
international law.
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