Published Paper Details:

The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) holds significant importance as a foundational document that outlines every individual's inherent rights and freedoms. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the UDHR presents gaps and limitations in its approach to addressing women's rights. This study embarks on an in-depth analysis of the specific clauses and sections within the UDHR that pertain to women's rights, intending to evaluate their effectiveness in adequately addressing the diverse spectrum of women's needs and experiences. The analysis initiates by emphasizing the fundamental role of gender equality as a cornerstone principle within human rights. Subsequently, it delves into key articles within the UDHR that hold relevance for women's rights. For instance, the examination includes Article 1, which revolves around the principle of non-discrimination, and Article 16, which focuses on the right to marry and establish a family. Although these articles acknowledge women's equality and autonomy, they fall short in providing comprehensive coverage of the multifaceted dimensions of women's rights. A clear deficiency found within the UDHR is the absence of a direct mention of gender-based violence. Although Article 5 explicitly forbids torture and cruel treatment, it fails to specifically address violence inflicted upon women, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and female genital mutilation. This omission becomes especially alarming given the global prevalence and significant consequences of gender-based violence. This study underscores the significance of introducing explicit language into the UDHR that condemns and forbids gender-based violence. It accentuates the need for precise actions aimed at preventing and addressing such forms of violence. Another inadequacy lies in the incomplete recognition of reproductive rights within the UDHR. While Article 16 acknowledges the right to marriage and family formation, it falls short of comprehensively addressing matters linked to reproductive health, family planning, and individual autonomy over one's body. The paper underscores the significance of explicitly acknowledging reproductive rights and integrating language encompassing the full spectrum of reproductive health and decision-making. The repercussions of these gaps within the UDHR are extensive. They impede the identification of gender-based violence and reproductive rights as distinct human rights violations, thus perpetuating an absence of accountability for these offenses. Furthermore, they curtail women's capacity to fully exercise their rights, participate in societal roles, and achieve gender equality. To address these deficiencies, the paper presents recommendations for future actions. These proposals encompass fortifying legal safeguards, implementing policies attuned to gender considerations, heightening awareness and education efforts, and prioritizing reproductive healthcare. The paper also underscores the importance of international collaboration, supporting civil society organizations, and involving men and boys in advancing gender equality. In sum, this analytical exploration casts light on the inadequacies of the UDHR in effectively addressing women's rights. By acknowledging these gaps and taking proactive measures, societies can progress toward achieving gender equality and ensuring the comprehensive realization of UDHR principles for all individuals, irrespective of gender.