NAME: CHIDERA ANITA UGO-OKOYE

REG NO: BU/22C/PGS/7845

TOPIC: ACCORDING TO THE VIENNA

DECLARATION AND PROGRAMME OF
ACTION 1995: “ALL HUMAN RIGHTS
ARE UNIVERSAL, INDIVISIBLE,
INTERDEPENDENT AND
INTERRELATED.
DISCUSS
INTRODUCTION

The World Conference on Human Rights took place in Vienna, Austria from 14-25 June
1993. This was a pivotal moment as the conference's main outcome was the Vienna
“Declaration and Programme of Action 1995” a common plan for the strengthening of
human rights work around the world. 1

This essay will critically examine the contributions given during the world conference held
in Vienna concerning the Vienna Declaration and Programe of Action and also analyse the
concept of all Human Rights being Universal, Indivisible, Interdependent and
Interrelated.

UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHT

The principle of universality asserts that human rights are inherent to all individuals,
regardless of race, gender, national origin, religion, or any other status. Human rights are
universal because they apply to all individuals simply by virtue of being human, and they
cannot be denied or taken away based on arbitrary factors. The principle of universality of
human rights is grounded on the belief that every individual is entitled to the same basic
rights and protections. 2
This right protect everyone as long as you have the features of a
human being.

The principle of universality implies that every nation has a responsibility to protect the
human rights of its citizens, and that the international community has a duty to promote and
protect human rights worldwide. Any violation of human rights, whether committed by a
government or a non-state actor, is a violation of the universal principles of human dignity
1 United Nations, ‘World Conference on Human Rights, Vienna 1993’ OHCHR (1996-2023)

<https://www.ohchr.org/en/about-us/history/vienna-declaration#:~:text=The%20World
%20Conference%20on%20Human,rights%20work%20around%20the%20world.>
accessed 11th March 2023

2 J. Donnelly, ‘The Relative Universality of Human Rights’ Human Rights Quarterly [2007]

29(2), 281-306
and freedom that underlie human rights. Therefore, the universality of human rights is
essential for upholding the inherent worth and dignity of every person, regardless of their
background or circumstances.3

INDIVISIBILITY OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The principle of indivisibility asserts that human rights are interdependent and
interconnected, and cannot be separated or prioritized according to one's preferences or
political agendas. The principle implies that human rights cannot be divided or separated
from each other, and the violation of one right can affect the enjoyment of other rights.

For instance, the right to education is essential for the exercise of other human rights, such
as the right to work or the right to participate in political life. If individuals or groups are
denied access to education, they may not be able to participate fully in society. Similarly, the
right to health is necessary for the exercise of other rights, such as the right to life and the
right to work. Also, the denial of freedom of expression can lead to the suppression of
political opposition. Therefore, the enjoyment of one right is interconnected with the
enjoyment of other rights. 4

The indivisibility of human rights is also reflected in the universal recognition that civil,
political, economic, social, and cultural rights are all essential components of human rights.
These rights are mutually reinforcing and interdependent, and their realization depends on
the fulfillment of all other rights. Therefore, the indivisibility of human rights is crucial for
ensuring that all individuals have access to basic human needs and can fully develop their
potential as human beings. 5

3 Iceland Human Right Centre, ‘The Role of Non-State Entities

<https://www.humanrights.is/en/human-rights-education-project/human-rights-concepts-ideas-and-
fora/human-rights-actors/the-role-of-non-state-entities> accessed 10th March 2023
4 United Nations, ‘Vienna Declaration and programme of Action’ Human Right Instrument
<https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/vienna-declaration-and-
programme-action> accessed 10th March 2023
5United Nations, ‘Vienna Declaration and programme of Action’ Human Right Instrument
<https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/vienna-declaration-and-
programme-action> accessed 10th March 2023
INTERDEPENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The principle of interdependence means that human rights are connected and that the
realization of one right depends on the realization of other rights. This principle implies that
human rights cannot be achieved in isolation but require a holistic approach that considers
the multiple dimensions of human life. For example, the right to health depends on access to
food, housing, and education, and the right to education depends on the provision of
adequate resources and facilities.

The principle of interdependence is particularly relevant in the context of poverty and social
injustice, where the denial of basic human rights leads to a cycle of poverty, inequality, and
exclusion. Therefore, to promote human rights, a comprehensive approach that addresses the
root causes of poverty and inequality is essential.6

INTERRELATEDNESS OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The principle of interrelatedness highlights the fact that human rights are linked and that the
violation of one right can have a domino effect on other rights. For example, the restriction
of freedom of assembly can limit the ability of individuals to participate in political
processes and affect their ability to exercise other rights. Similarly, the violation of the rights
of ethnic and religious minorities can lead to discrimination and marginalization, which can
have far-reaching consequences for their access to health, education, and employment. 7

6United Nations, ‘Vienna Declaration and programme of Action’ Human Right Instrument
<https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/vienna-declaration-and-
programme-action> accessed 10th March 2023
7 J. Donnelly, ‘The Relative Universality of Human Rights’ Human Rights Quarterly [2007] 29(2),
281-306
The interrelatedness of human rights underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to
human rights that recognizes the complex interplay between different rights and the various
factors that affect their realization. This approach requires a deep understanding of the
social, economic, political, and cultural contexts in which human rights violations occur and
the various stakeholders involved in promoting and protecting human rights.8

IN CONCLUSION

The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action 19959 marked a significant moment in
the history of human rights by emphasizing that all human rights are universal,
interdependent, and indivisible. The declaration recognizes that the enjoyment of one right
often depends on the realization of other rights and that the violation of one right can affect
the exercise of other rights. The concept of universal human rights has been widely accepted
by both individuals and states, despite the ongoing debate between universalism and cultural
relativism. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action 1995 10 has contributed to the
promotion and protection of human rights by fostering the idea that all individuals are
entitled to certain rights and freedoms irrespective of their cultural or social background. We
are priviledged to be humans and we thank the God of Heaven for such a beautiful creation.

8 J. Donnelly, ‘The Relative Universality of Human Rights’ Human Rights Quarterly [2007] 29(2),
281-306
9United Nations, ‘Vienna Declaration and programme of Action’ Human Right Instrument
<https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/vienna-declaration-and-
programme-action> accessed 10th March 2023
10United Nations, ‘Vienna Declaration and programme of Action’ Human Right Instrument
<https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/vienna-declaration-and-
programme-action> accessed 10th March 2023
REFERENCES

Websites

1. Iceland Human Right Centre, ‘The Role of Non-State Entities

<https://www.humanrights.is/en/human-rights-education-project/human-rights-
concepts-ideas-and-fora/human-rights-actors/the-role-of-non-state-entities>
accessed 10th March 2023
2. J. Donnelly, ‘The Relative Universality of Human Rights’ Human Rights
Quarterly [2007] 29(2).
3. United Nations, ‘Vienna Declaration and programme of Action’ Human Right
Instrument
<https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/vienna-
declaration-and-programme-action> accessed 10th March 2023
4. United Nations, ‘World Conference on Human Rights, Vienna 1993’ OHCHR
(1996-2023) <https://www.ohchr.org/en/about-us/history/vienna-
declaration#:~:text=The%20World%20Conference%20on%20Human,rights
%20work%20around%20the%20world.> accessed 11th March 2023.