9781422281376

Eleanor Roosevelt (standing) speaks to members of the UN committee that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Roosevelt, the widow of the 32nd U.S. president, was a long-time campaigner for disadvantaged people. She headed the committee.

religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.” The Universal Declaration also says that governments should not interfere unfairly in people’s lives, and that all men and women should have the right to be full citizens in the land where they were born. They should be able to travel, and to leave their country, and to seek asylum if they fear persecution. They should be free to marry, have a family, and own property. They should also be able to express their own religious beliefs and political ideas. They should be allowed to join together with others who hold similar views, and to take part in govern-

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Human Rights