PREAMBLE
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,
Whereas it is essential to promote the
development of friendly relations between
nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations
have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in
fundamental human rights, in the dignity and
worth of the human person and in the equal
rights of men and women and have determined
to promote social progress and better
standards of life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged
themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the
United Nations, the promotion of universal
respect for and observance of human rights
and fundamental freedoms,
Whereas a common understanding of these
rights and freedoms is of the greatest
importance for the full realization of this pledge,
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.