The final judgment of history will be determined by the impact which the Declaration [of Human Rights] has and will have on the actual conduct of states and of individual men and women everywhere. There is unfortunately little reason for thinking that human rights...are better respected now that they were before 1948. But while the gap between commitment and performance may still be wide, governments are now formally committed to respect and observe human rights. And the international community now possesses "a common standard of achievement" by reference to which the conduct of these governments can be and is judged.
The Declaration of Human Rights will ultimately be judged based on its influence on the actions of governments and individuals worldwide. Currently, there is little evidence to suggest that human rights are being better upheld now compared to before 1948. However, governments have made formal commitments to respect and protect human rights, bridging the gap between their promises and actual implementation. This commitment provides a common benchmark against which the conduct of governments can be evaluated by the international community.
