Our Collective Conscience •
Article 17
In the exercise of the rights and freedoms referred to in the present Declaration,
everyone, acting individually and in association with others, shall be subject only to
such limitations as are in accordance with applicable international obligations and are
determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for
the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality,
public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
Article 18
1. Everyone has duties towards and within the community, in which alone the free and
full development of his or her personality is possible.
2. Individuals, groups, institutions and non-governmental organizations have an
important role to play and a responsibility in safeguarding democracy, promoting
human rights and fundamental freedoms and contributing to the promotion and
advancement of democratic societies, institutions and processes.
3. Individuals, groups, institutions and non-governmental organizations also have an
important role and a responsibility in contributing, as appropriate, to the promotion
of the right of everyone to a social and international order in which the rights and
freedoms set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human
rights instruments can be fully realized.
Article 19
Nothing in the present Declaration shall be interpreted as implying for any individual,
group or organ of society or any State the right to engage in any activity or to perform
any act aimed at the destruction of the rights and freedoms referred to in the present
Declaration.
Article 20
Nothing in the present Declaration shall be interpreted as permitting States to support
and promote activities of individuals, groups of individuals, institutions or nongovernmental organizations contrary to the provisions of the Charter of the United
Nations.
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