International Human Rights and the International Human Rights System A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions 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. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.31 It provides a comprehensive statement of what human rights are, including both principal categories of rights: civil and political rights (articles 3 to 21) and economic, social and cultural rights (articles 22 to 27). It integrates rights and responsibilities as the two sides of the one concept. It recognizes the importance of both the individual and the community, locating the individual and her or his rights firmly within the community. 1. Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible. 2. In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society. 3. These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.32 The UDHR provides the framework for the further development of human rights law. It is the foundation for all international human rights law developed over more than 60 years since. It is the most translated document in history, being available now in more than 300 languages. It is one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century. Universal Declaration of Human Rights wall at the United Nations. Photo by Jordan Lewin. 31 UDHR; article 2. 32 UDHR; article 29. 12 | Chapter 3: What is international human rights law?