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What is the difference between the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration of Independence?

The primary difference between the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration of Independence is that the latter is a declaration of war by the North American British colonies against the crown of England, while the former is a philosophical document drafted at a United Nations (UN) summit in Paris in 1948.


Though the UN hoped to codify a definition of human rights among its member nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights does not provide a plan of action for governments or citizens to ensure such rights. The UN calls the document "a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations" (para 1). Conversely, the Declaration of Independence lays out specific grievances, and makes plain the colonies' plan of action for severing ties with England. 

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