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The rights you might not realize you have - Shannon Odell

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Universal Human Rights

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Since 2015, an unprecedented movement has been sweeping courts around the world. Groups of young plaintiffs are suing their governments for their inaction on tackling climate change. These suits argue that climate inaction violates their basic human rights. But what do human rights have to do with the environment? Shannon Odell examines our right to a healthy environment, food, health, and water.

When the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN in 1948, it was a nonbinding agreement. Since then, how have countries managed to enshrine its principles in law?

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About Universal Human Rights

In 1948 the United Nations issued a Universal Declaration of Human Rights that laid out a common standard of fundamental rights to be universally protected. But how much do you know about the rights and freedoms everyone, everywhere - including you - is entitled to? Explore this page to learn more about the history, philosophy and practice of ensuring universal human rights, brought to you in partnership with the Open Society Foundations.

Meet The Creators

  • Video created by TED-Ed
  • Lesson Plan created by Hayley Levitt

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