UNESCO's commitment to human rights began with its founding in 1945, in the aftermath of World War II. During these early years, the organization focused on promoting peace through education, science, and culture, recognizing that these areas were fundamental to fostering respect for human rights. Notably, in this period, UNESCO played a crucial role in the development and promotion of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, which became a cornerstone of its work in subsequent decades. A related initiative was the Human Rights Exhibition in 1949, organized to promote the principles of the UDHR and raise global awareness about human rights, engaging the public in dialogue about these fundamental principles.
In 1947, UNESCO formed a committee comprised of intellectuals, philosophers, and political scientists in order to examine the philosophical foundations of human rights, highlighting commonalities among various cultures and ideologies to aid in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The report concluded that UN member states shared a commitment to "the right to live a life free from the haunting fear of poverty and insecurity." When the UDHR passed in 1948, UNESCO was the first UN agency to center its actions around the UDHR's principles.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Photograph of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Image Copyright: UNESCO
UNESCO's 1949 Human Rights Exhibition was the first international event aiming to educate the public about the recently-adopted UDHR. The Exhibition emphasized the importance of human rights and their universal nature; in doing so, it contributed to raising awareness and promoting understanding of human rights among diverse audiences.
Programme and Meeting Document (1949)
Article: Universal rights: UNESCO exhibition opens in Paris October
Published in the UNESCO Courier (1949).
Article: Human rights: UNESCO exhibition in Paris
Published in the UNESCO Courier (1949).
Below, explore some of UNESCO's human rights statements & initiatives in this period:
The UNESCO Constitution established the organization's commitment to promoting peace and human rights through education, science, and culture. It emphasized the importance of intellectual and moral solidarity in safeguarding human dignity. The Constitution laid the foundation for UNESCO's future work in advancing human rights globally.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
While not directly created by UNESCO, the organization played a significant role in promoting and disseminating this landmark document. Specifically, UNESCO contributed to the declaration's development through consultations and intellectual input. The organization has since used the UDHR as a guiding framework for its human rights-related activities and programs.
Human Rights: Comments and Interpretations (A Symposium Edited by UNESCO) (1949)
This publication compiled diverse perspectives on human rights from scholars and thinkers worldwide. UNESCO's contribution lay in facilitating a global dialogue on the philosophical and cultural foundations of human rights, thus helping broaden global understandings of human rights across different cultural contexts.
UNESCO's Statement on Race (1950)
UNESCO's Statement on Race contributed to human rights by promoting equality and combating racial discrimination through evidence-based arguments. The statement had a significant impact on shaping public opinion and policy discourse regarding race and human rights.
Below, explore some of UNESCO's educational statements & initiatives in this period:
UNESCO's Fundamental Education Program (launched in 1947)
UNESCO's Fundamental Education Program focused on providing basic education to underserved populations globally. It supported human rights by promoting literacy and essential life skills for personal and societal development. The program aimed to empower individuals through education, enabling them to participate fully in society.
Regional Conference on Free and Compulsory Education in Latin America (1956)
This Cnference addressed the need for universal access to education in Latin America. It promoted the human right to education by advocating for free and mandatory schooling in the region. The conference aimed to reduce educational inequalities and improve literacy rates across Latin American countries.
ILO/UNESCO Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers (1966)
This Recommendation recognized the crucial role of teachers in society and education. It promoted teachers' rights, including fair working conditions and professional development opportunities. The recommendation aimed to enhance the status of teachers, thereby supporting the right to quality education for all.
Below, explore some of UNESCO's scientific initiatives in this period:
UNESCO's Natural Sciences Program (established in 1948)
UNESCO's Natural Sciences Program was created to promote scientific knowledge and cooperation globally. From its inception, it sought to advance human rights by fostering scientific literacy and access to scientific information. The Program also emphasized the importance of science in addressing global challenges and improving quality of life.
Scientific and Cultural History of Mankind Project (1950s)
UNESCO's Scientific and Cultural History of Mankind Project aimed to promote human rights by forging cultural understanding and respect, recognizing diverse cultural contributions to human progress, and emphasizing the interconnectedness of human cultures and their shared heritage.
Image Copyright: UNESCO
Human Rights Symposium on Scientific and Technological Progress (1968)
UNESCO's Human Rights Symposium on Scientific and Technological Progress explored the impact of scientific and technological advancements on human rights. The Symposium specifically addressed ethical concerns arising from scientific progress and its potential effects on society; simultaneously, it aimed to ensure that scientific developments aligned with and supported human rights principles.
Click here to view all books, articles, and documents related to human rights — from UNESCO's founding–1969 — in UNESDOC.
Since 1956, The UNESCO Courier, UNESCO's flagship journal, intermittently published stories and archival material related to human rights. Browse selected editions from 1956–1969 below to learn more.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Published: 1951
Published: 1963
1968: International Year for Human Rights
Published: 1968
Published: 1968
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