Which instrument is exemplified by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights?

Which instrument is exemplified by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights?

• A. Bilateral treaty
• B. Multilateral treaty
• C. Declaration
• D. Hard law treaty

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is the nature of international instruments and how they create obligations. The Universal Declaration on Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 as a declaration, not as a treaty. A bilateral treaty involves two parties agreeing to binding terms, while a multilateral treaty is a binding agreement among many states. The UDHR itself does not create legally binding obligations in the same way a treaty does; its language is aspirational and aims to set out fundamental rights, though it has had a powerful influence on later binding agreements and on customary international law. Because it is a declaration, not a treaty, it best fits the option described as a declaration.

The key idea here is the nature of international instruments and how they create obligations. The Universal Declaration on Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 as a declaration, not as a treaty. A bilateral treaty involves two parties agreeing to binding terms, while a multilateral treaty is a binding agreement among many states. The UDHR itself does not create legally binding obligations in the same way a treaty does; its language is aspirational and aims to set out fundamental rights, though it has had a powerful influence on later binding agreements and on customary international law. Because it is a declaration, not a treaty, it best fits the option described as a declaration.