The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): List 1

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948 to reflect the commitment of the international community to prevent any repeat of the atrocities of World War II. Drafted by the Commission on Human Rights, which consisted of 18 members from various political, cultural, and religious backgrounds, it recognizes the value and rights of every individual everywhere. In addition to influencing many subsequent national constitutions, laws, and treaties, it serves as a tool to apply moral pressure on abusive governments.


This list covers vocabulary from the Preamble through Article 14.
15 words 18 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. inalienable
    incapable of being repudiated or transferred to another
    Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world...
  2. barbarous
    able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
    Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people...
  3. recourse
    act of turning to for assistance
    Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law...
  4. strive
    exert much effort or energy
    THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance...
  5. dignity
    the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect
    All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
  6. distinction
    a discrimination between things as different
    Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
  7. servitude
    the state of being required to labor for someone else
    No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
  8. degrading
    characterized by dishonor
    No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
  9. incitement
    an act of urging on or spurring on or rousing to action or instigating
    All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
  10. effective
    works well as a means or remedy
    Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
  11. arbitrary
    based on or subject to individual discretion or preference
    No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
  12. impartial
    free from undue bias or preconceived opinions
    Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
  13. omission
    a mistake resulting from neglect
    No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed.
  14. interference
    the act of hindering or obstructing or impeding
    No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation.
  15. asylum
    a shelter from danger or hardship
    Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
Created on Tue Jun 03 12:34:56 EDT 2025 (updated Wed Jun 18 15:44:51 EDT 2025)

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