The human rights project is one that brings together ideas, policies, and laws, as well as national civil society and international cooperation. Yet despite progress, human rights are still being grossly violated in vast numbers in many parts of the world, and the challenge remains to keep expanding the circles of achievements and opportunities for a universal culture of human rights.

This handbook brings together a broad collection of documents from different parts of the world, from global and regional institutions, attesting to the fact that the universality of human rights resides in the spirit and aspirations of the peoples of the world. Divided into thematic sections, the volume brings together primary sources on topics such as philosophical and religious perspectives, international human rights policy, sustainable development, economic, social, and cultural rights, among many more, complete with a thorough introduction to each theme. The result is a remarkable collection of documents and teaching materials in support of the universality of human rights.