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Eleanor Roosevelt, was the longest serving First Lady of the United States as wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt, but through her advocacy for human rights she also became known as “First Lady of the World.” Throughout her husband’s political career, she advocated for expanded rights of marginalized populations, whether African Americans and Asian Americans, poor laborers, or women. Following the death of President Roosevelt, Eleanor continued her activism, especially in her role as a United States delegate to the United Nations General Assembly.

At the first meeting of the UN General Assembly, Roosevelt was asked to join a small commission tasked with recommending the structure and function of a permanent Human Rights Commission. Roosevelt was elected chair of the commission and remained chair when it became the permanent United Nations Commission on Human Rights. One of the central recommendations of the commission was that the Human Rights Commission’s first project should be the preparation of “an international bill of rights.” As Roosevelt stated, “Many of us thought that lack of standards for human rights the world over was one of the greatest causes of friction among the nations, and that recognition of human rights might become one of the cornerstones upon which peace could eventually be based.”

The Universal Declaration on Human Rights  was drafted between 1946 and 1948 by the Commission. The Commission began its work on the declaration of human rights by sending questionnaires to scholars and leaders throughout the world. The responses resulted in a diverse range of religious, philosophical, and legal perspectives but also a number of commonalities on which the Commission could build. A drafting committee was selected, initially consisting of Roosevelt along with Vice-Chairman P.C. Chang of the Republic of China and  Committee Rapporteur Charles Malik of Lebanon, and Canadian lawyer John Humphrey of the UN Human Rights Division. The drafting committee was soon  expanded to provide greater diversity. 

 Multiple sessions were required first by the Drafting Committee and then by the Commission to develop the Declaration. Roosevelt, as Chair of the Commission and the Drafting Committee, played a central role, using her diplomatic skills to bridge ideological divides and rally support for the Declaration. When presenting it to the UN General Assembly, Roosevelt proclaimed: “We stand today at the threshold of a great event both in the life of the United Nations and in the life of mankind. This declaration may well become the international Magna Carta for all men everywhere.”

On December 10, 1948, the UN General Assembly voted to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The final document consists of thirty articles outlining the basic rights and individual freedoms of all persons, and it built on the declaration that “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” 

Roosevelt remained in the UN until 1952 and continued to promote the Universal Declaration as well as advocate for the rights of women. After that she traveled both the US and world to continue her advocacy for adherence to the principles of the Universal Declaration. While her actions were admired by many, others were deeply critical. There were attacks on her character but also her life. The Ku Klux Klan placed a bounty on her head and there were multiple assassination attempts increased. Still she persisted. 

In 1958 Roosevelt wrote: “Where do human rights begin? In small places, close to home, so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person -- the neighborhood he lives in, the factory, farm, or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning  anywhere.”

To learn more about Eleanor Roosevelt and human rights check out our book display on the fourth floor and these e-books from our collection.

International Volunteer Day, December 5, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. This day honors the spirit of volunteerism and its crucial role in addressing the world’s challenges. For 2024, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program focuses on the vital role of volunteers in fostering sustainable development, highlighting community-driven solutions to global issues like climate change, inequality, and conflict.

Volunteerism is a powerful tool for transforming societies. Each month, 862.4 million working-age (age 15 and over) volunteers dedicate their time and skills globally. About 6.5% of volunteers do so formally through organizations, while 14.3% do so informally, often initiated between individuals. Formal volunteers are more often men, whereas informal volunteers are more likely to be women. A significant number of people are involved in multiple types of volunteer work.

Volunteerism fosters attitudes and behaviors that drive social, environmental, and economic change. It empowers individuals to become actors in local, national, and international development. By embodying values such as equity, compassion, solidarity, and respect, volunteers create meaningful impacts. Their contributions advance the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring inclusive growth and peace. The UNV program amplifies these efforts by collaborating with volunteers worldwide, emphasizing that lasting transformation begins with people-led initiatives.

Celebrate International Volunteer Day by recognizing the commitment of volunteers everywhere. You can share volunteer stories on social media using #IVD2024. If you would like to find volunteer opportunities, you can contact Spiritual Life or Volunteer Dubuque. To learn more about volunteerism, check out the book display on the third floor.