The Universal Declaration of Human Rights : a commentary /

More than two dozen Scandinavian scholars examine the UDHR and each of its 30 articles that enumerate specific international obligations and objectives. This publication is unique and useful in a variety of ways. Academics and human rights activists, including lawyers, will find that this is a valuable reference source. As in any collection, the essays are uneven in quality (albeit most are quite good) and in length; a few such as Bard-Anders Andreasson's commentary on social security are extensive. As the other contributors acknowledge, most of the more practical applications of international human rights law relate to limitations on state governments with respect for the civil and political rights of individual citizens. Although those with some interest in public policies and law within the five Nordic countries will have even greater incentive to acquire this publication, it should be appreciated and utilized elsewhere. Most essays cross-reference regional covenants and treaties and related instruments of intergovernmental human rights commitments. All provide historical background to the drafting and adoption of each article. Libraries supporting scholarship in international human rights politics must include this publication. Advanced undergraduate through professional. P. G. Conway; SUNY College at Oneonta