The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, it outlines fundamental human rights that should be protected and promoted worldwide. When writing about or referencing the UDHR in your work, it is essential to provide an accurate citation. In this article, we will explore three ways to cite the Universal Declaration of Human Rights using the APA, MLA, and Chicago citation styles.
1. APA Citation Style:
The American Psychological Association (APA) citation style is commonly used in social sciences research papers. To cite the UDHR in APA format, include the following information:
United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
In-text, refer to the source as (United Nations, 1948). For example:
As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations, 1948), “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
2. MLA Citation Style:
The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is predominantly applied in humanities-related academic works. To cite the UDHR using MLA format, include:
United Nations. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 1948. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
For in-text citations, use a parenthetical reference with “UN” as the abbreviation: (UN). For example:
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” (UN).
3. Chicago Citation Style:
The Chicago Manual of Style is a versatile citation style employed in various fields of study. To cite the UDHR using Chicago style’s notes-bibliography system, include this information:
United Nations, “Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” 1948, https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
For in-text citations, use a footnote or endnote with the following format:
¹ United Nations, “Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” 1948.
Conclusion:
Citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights accurately is crucial for maintaining credibility and avoiding plagiarism in your work. By using these three citation styles—APA, MLA, and Chicago—you can ensure that you’re referencing this influential document appropriately. Always be mindful of your institution or publication’s required citation style to guarantee the correct application of citation rules.
