The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted on December 10th 1948, results from historical violence and bloodshed in human societies. Men were in chains and their megalomania led to two universal wars that took hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. The violation of man’s inherent rights and dignity, discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, beliefs, etc. and barbarous acts outraged human’s conscience all around the world. As it is stated in the preamble of UDHR, “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,

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,

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….”

Human rights discourse is a universal topic, which transcends culture, religion and beliefs, delineating man’s rights for being human no matter if he is Muslim or non-Muslim, Eastern or Western, religious or irreligious, man or woman. The main objective of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is to root out cruelties and oppressions and prevent from further violence and bloodshed in any corner of the world. Furthermore, it aims to gather the people of the world, who live in the heart of multiple cultures with a myriad of beliefs, under the same law. The cultural pluralism of human societies is beyond doubt and human rights, which are aimed to abrogate oppressions and aggressions, will accommodate to cultural or religious pluralism so that each person could resort to the Universal Declaration for supporting their rights.  Hence, this Declaration which roots in the bitter experiences of human societies within thousands of years, will, as it claims, pave the way for freedom, justice and peace.

When men see their natural rights, such as rights to freedom or life, at risk, they feel a puissant need to human rights discourse so as to revitalize their freedom. In another item, human rights are to be considered a set of law to cater genuinely to the certain needs of human societies and lead them to a peaceful life in social and political arena. So, when lack of tolerance is felt in men’s mutual behaviors, an emergency case will appear which will be dealt only by human rights discourse.

Human rights seek to ensure human’s existence with keeping their dignity and freedom safe and recognize for them a social frame. Moreover, human rights discourse entitles men with a set of equal rights based on morality and justice not on pity or sympathy.

The adoption of Human Rights Law is the outcome of historical necessity to curtail war and bloodshed rather than rooting in philosophical or religious issues. A general agreement over religious beliefs will never take place. This Declaration is a practical resolution to recognize human rights and dignity in any conditions without exception or discrimination. In short, human rights deal with human issues not with divine ones.

Article 18 of UDHR states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” Based on this article, no one can impose their religious beliefs on others or make them convert their religion. The freedom stated in this article bears no religious meaning and does not deal with divine dos and don’ts. In short, this freedom is silent about religious messages and does not prevent the pop, monk or clergy from preaching religious values. Recognizing the right to religious freedom neither adds to nor deducts from one’s faith in a society.

The written human rights law, which is the product of modernity, bears secular contents. It refers to man’s reason and conscience as a way of understanding human being. A secular concept does not mean to deny the religious messengers sent for man’s salvation or to prevent religious scholars from preaching. After all, this law invites people from all around the world, relating to any cultures or beliefs, to stand against oppression, aggression and discrimination.

“Now, Therefore 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, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.”

Hence, since men are endowed with inherent dignity and inalienable rights, we are to enjoy and practice our rights freely so as to avoid war and violence. The UDHR will heal men’s bleeding wounds sustained throughout historical wars provided on being practiced properly.