Around the world events are being held to mark 70 years Dec 10th 1948 since the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The document, drafted after the Second World War, set out for the first time the basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all human beings are entitled.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an international document that states human rights are universal - to be enjoyed by all people, no matter who they are or where they live.
It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on the 10th of December 1948.
Australia played a key role.
It was one of the eight nations involved in drafting the document.
And the head of Australia’s delegation to the UN, Doctor H.V. Evatt was President of the General Assembly when the document was adopted.
Before the Second World War it was thought countries were sovereign nations - that what went on within their borders was up to them.
But after the conflict it was decided international standards were needed.
The Deputy Director of the Caston Centre for Human Rights at Monash University Law School, Professor Paula Gerber, describes the declaration as "a rulebook for life."
The declaration includes civil and political rights, such as the right to life, freedom, free speech and privacy.
It also includes economic, social and cultural rights, such as the right to welfare, housing and healthcare.
Countries are not legally required to comply with the declaration.
But Professor Gerber says the document has informed attitudes and contributed to behind-the-scenes negotiations and actions that have helped protect people's rights.
