Vienna Declaration facts for kids

The Vienna Declaration is an important agreement that helps make sure everyone's human rights are respected. It was created to strengthen the ideas in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Charter. This declaration also led to the creation of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which is a special office at the United Nations that works to protect human rights around the world. It was officially agreed upon at a big meeting called the World Conference on Human Rights on June 25, 1993.

What the Vienna Declaration Says

The main idea of the Vienna Declaration is that "all human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent and interrelated." (Part I, paragraph 5). This means that all human rights are connected and equally important. No one right is more important than another.

All Rights Are Equal

This principle means that countries and the international community must treat all human rights equally. This includes economic, social and cultural rights, like the right to education or healthcare. It also includes civil rights, such as the right to speak freely or to vote. All these rights must be given the same importance without any exceptions. This important idea is also mentioned in other agreements. These include the Declaration of Montreal, the Yogyakarta Principles, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Goals of the Declaration

The Vienna Declaration aims for everyone to fully enjoy all their human rights and freedoms. It strongly states that this must happen without any discrimination. Discrimination means treating someone unfairly because of who they are.

Making Rights Real

To make sure all human rights are real for everyone, the Declaration asks all countries to do certain things. It asks them to agree to as many treaties on human rights as possible. Treaties are like agreements between countries. It also asks countries to create strong legal systems. These systems should provide ways to help people when their human rights are violated. Having these systems is very important for democracy and for a sustainable future. It helps ensure that human rights are truly respected and protected.

Working Together for Rights

The Vienna Declaration also talks about the importance of countries working together. It calls for international solidarity, which means countries supporting each other. This includes sharing the responsibility to help people seeking political asylum. Asylum is protection given by a country to someone who has fled their home country. This is based on the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. This includes help for Palestinian people who need protection.

Learning About Rights

The Declaration also stresses how important education is. It says that everyone, at all levels of education, should learn about international human rights law. They should also learn about humanitarian aid, which is help given to people in need. Other important topics for education include peace, tolerance, the rule of law, democracy, and social justice. This education helps fight against illiteracy and helps people understand their rights and responsibilities.

Development and Human Rights

The Vienna Declaration also confirms the right to develop for developing countries. This is especially true for the poorest countries in Africa. It encourages promoting democracy in Africa to help with development. However, it clearly states that a lack of development cannot be an excuse to violate full human rights. The Declaration also asks countries that have not officially recognized the Geneva Conventions to take steps to make all human rights a reality.

See also

In Spanish: Declaración y Programa de Acción de Viena para niños