Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Eleanor Roosevelt Helped Shape the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
After the Second World War, Eleanor Roosevelt took on an important role at the United Nations.
She became the first chairperson of its Commission on Human Rights.
The commission worked on a document about people's basic rights and freedoms.
Roosevelt helped guide the discussions that shaped it.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the document on December 10, 1948.
It was meant to apply to everyone.
It said people's rights should not depend on their nationality, race, religion, or background.
After the Second World War, Eleanor Roosevelt became the first chairperson of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
She helped guide negotiations for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The UN General Assembly adopted the declaration on December 10, 1948.
The document set out fundamental rights and freedoms intended for every person.
Its stated protections applied regardless of nationality, race, religion, or background.
- Who
- Eleanor Roosevelt and the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
- What
- Roosevelt helped guide negotiations leading to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- When
- After the Second World War; the declaration was adopted on December 10, 1948.
- Where
- At the United Nations.
- Why
- The declaration set out fundamental rights and freedoms intended to apply to every person.
- Role
- First chairperson of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights
- Document
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Adoption date
- December 10, 1948
- Adopting body
- United Nations General Assembly
- Purpose
- Set out fundamental rights and freedoms intended to apply to every person
- Protections irrespective of
- Nationality, race, religion, or background