Eleanor Roosevelts Personal Account of the UNs Universal Declaration of Human Rights in December

To be honest, life just was not the same after I lost Franklin in April 1945 and in many ways, I was devastated by his loss (Marsico, 2008). Though Franklin and I shared a rich partnership advancing human welfare, our marriage also faced some rocky periods I cannot ignore. I understood the political world he inhabited placed great pressures upon him, but that does not excuse his prolonged relationship with our secretary Lucy Mercer. Discovering their intimacy wounded me to my core. I nearly left Franklin then, though duty prevailed given his rising political ambitions.

In time, I made my peace with the situation, coming to value our work together above all. Yet Franklin's attachment to his driver Missy LeHand also hinted that he continued seeking emotional solace outside our marriage. I suppose men in high office often believe rules of fidelity don't apply to them. While I maintained cordial ties with Lucy and Missy for Franklin's sake, as a woman I felt the slight deeply. His secretaries saw more of my husband than I during those busy war years. The greater mission we shared combatting poverty, oppression and injustice, though, transcended these personal troubles (Urdang, 2008).

Looking back, I can say that the White House years were a testament to our collaborative approach to trying to make life better for all Americans, as I assumed an unprecedented public role for a First Lady by championing causes close to my heart, including civil rights, womens rights, and humanitarian efforts. Likewise, Franklins historic presidency and my active involvement in various initiatives forged a unique and influential partnership that transcended traditional gender roles. Tragically, Franklins passing in 1945 marked the end of an era, but also represented a new period in my life that was characterized by a renewal of my commitment to humanitarian initiatives.

As a result, when I was appointed as Chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in early 1946, I felt an enormous responsibility in those post-war years to ensure that global human rights were codified for generations to come. Indeed, I had witnessed the horrific abuses and atrocities of World War II firsthand and would like to think that I did my part by keeping troop morale up by visiting them in far-flung combat zones. In fact, some of my most meaningful experiences during the war years involved visiting our dear Allied troops overseas. Seeing our brave boys so far from home, often enduring miserable conditions that would test anyones mettle, forged an intense bond in my heart. Whether serving hot meals to weary soldiers, handing out blankets and care packages, or keeping spirits lifted with songs and laughter, I felt immense pride for those courageous fighters.

Yet the realities of war also weighed heavily as I witnessed its devastating toll firsthand. Bandaged bodies, impromptu surgeries in muddy tents, the haunted eyes of young men asked to grow up too quickly under fire - those images stay seared in one's mind. And the aftermath across decimated towns and cities, with civilians wandering debris-filled streets in desperate search of lost loved ones, reinforced wars profound inhumanity. Those overseas visits fortified both my gratitude and sorrow simultaneously. I saw that our troops longed for nothing more than peace; the chance to return safely to family and home, far away from violence. It convicted me that as leaders, we had a solemn responsibility to pursue global harmony with the same vigor as waging war itself.

Taken together, I left those trips understanding peace was not simply the absence of conflict, but required ongoing effort and care of peoples basic needs. We owed war-weary citizens worldwide the food, shelter and stability for sustainable, dignified lives. I returned home with renewed purpose -- that establishing international alliances and human rights principles could foster the conditions for lasting peace.

Those courageous troops had suffered enough. We owed them and all citizens a more just global community, one which lifted people up rather than oppressing them in desperation. My visits strengthened my crusade for international cooperation, human rights and collective well-being across all nations. As a result of these experiences and seeing the images of liberation from the Nazi concentration camps left an indelible mark on my soul. I knew that we could never allow such crimes against humanity to happen again.

The drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a herculean task. I met with resistance and criticism from all sides - from those who felt it went too far to those who felt it didn't go far enough. In this regard, one modern historian reports that, When the permanent Human Rights Commission convened in the fall of 1946, it promptly elected Eleanor Roosevelt as its chair. For the next two years, Eleanor dedicated most of her energy to commission duties. This required fierce patience and determination. Cold War politics frequently threatened to derail the process and then the adoption itself (p. 34).

Yet, despite the seemingly unsurmountable obstacles arrayed against a universal declaration of human rights, I remained undeterred. Indeed, I can report with some degree of pride that I cajoled, I pleaded, I reasoned and negotiated. Slowly the tide began to turn as I won over leader after leader. My determination stemmed from my unshakable belief that human rights are not just Western or American ideals, but, like the...

…against violations, and applied political pressure on offenders. Likewise, I advised the Commission and UN leadership on establishing critical legal frameworks including the European Convention on Human Rights and the Genocide Convention, thereby giving the Declaration some sorely needed enforceable teeth (Luscombe, 2018).

Further, I also spoke out vigorously as well whenever and wherever offenses occurred, rallying global condemnation. I understood that norms need consistent reinforcement, so I leveraged my visibility and credibility to publicly advocate for victims without pause. At the same time, I encouraged nations making progress, demonstrating these ideals practical power when woven into informed and enlightened policy and governance. We highlighted models while sanctioning especially egregious acts by both state and non-state actors. In addition, I helped create a global network of nongovernmental organizations which I called the curious grapevine that was tasked with communicating the ideas and concepts contained in the Declaration to all the nations of the world (Goodale, 2006, p. 485).

Most meaningfully, I strived to give voice to the voiceless, foreach person still denied basic liberties. I met with dissidents wherever my travels took me, received petitions from ordinary people, then brought their stories directly to the global stage. I surfaced oppressions human toll, reminding all leaders of our shared obligation. The point was consistently made with these leaders that although suffering is cumulative, so too is compassion. The struggle for rights long preceded the Declaration, and would continue long after. By shining light worldwide on our work unfinished, I hoped to hasten the day when the Declarations bold vision for humankind was actualized in the lives of all people and that has been my lifes mission since its adoption.

And so at the end of my long journey, I look back with pride at having played my small part in advancing the great cause of global human rights. While others have called me a hero, I cannot accept that level of praise since I have enjoyed a blessed life free of the want and deprivation that still plagues much of humankind. The Universal Declaration, though imperfect, has offered a moral compass guiding generations towards greater justice and liberty. That we speak today of human rights as inherent and inviolable for all people owes much to that milestone.

Yet the mission that was codified in the Declaration remains unfinished for too many worldwide still oppressed and suffering. My spirit cannot rest while girls of various faiths face limits on their education, minorities confront violence and systemic racism, and authoritarian rulers quash dissent in an all-out attempt to remain in power. With the Declarations light showing the way, though, I believe new heroes will emerge in every age that follows who will also champion universal human…