030725 SE Universal Declaration of Human Rights and 15 years Vienna Declaration and Progr. of Action (2008S)

The year 2008 marks two important anniversaries for human rights: On 10 December 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and thereby created the basis for contemporary human rights protection. Although legally not binding, the moral value and the importance of the UDHR for future codifications of human rights, including civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, is paramount. Similarly, in June 1993, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA) were unanimously adopted by the governments of 171 States as the result of the Second World Conference on Human Rights, held by the United Nations in Vienna. This document contains the solemn commitment by the international community to the universality and interdependence of all human rights, and to the legitimacy of effective international action in case of serious violations of human rights. One of the most important recommendations of this declaration, namely the creation of the function of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, was fulfilled by the General Assembly soon after. However, where do we stand regarding the implementation of other provisions of these documents in the year of their respective anniversary? This seminar will provide the students with an overview over the creation of the UDHR and the VDPA as well as human rights developments in their aftermath. Participants are encouraged to identify positive examples as well as shortcomings and gaps in the implementation of these documents.