UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE, INFLUENCE, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Abstract

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted in 1948, remains a foundational pillar of international human rights law, embodying universal principles of dignity, equality, and justice. This paper critically examines the contemporary relevance of the UDHR, assessing its enduring influence on national constitutions, international treaties, and global human rights advocacy. Despite its non-binding nature, the UDHR has shaped legal frameworks, inspired movements for social justice, and served as a moral compass in addressing modern challenges such as discrimination, climate change, digital surveillance, and armed conflicts. The study also explores emerging debates on the universality of human rights, cultural relativism, and the need for reforms to address 21st-century issues like artificial intelligence, migration crises, and corporate human rights obligations. By analyzing its legacy and limitations, this paper argues for a reinvigorated commitment to the UDHR’s principles while adapting its implementation to meet future global challenges.