World Conference on Human Rights.

In 1948, fifty-eight United Nations member states authored the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which called on member states to promote civil, human, social, and economic rights. The Universal Declaration was the first international attempt to limit states’ behavior, emphasizing each state’s duty to its citizens. In 1968, the International Conference on Human Rights was held in Tehran, Iran, marking the twenty-year anniversary of the Universal Declaration. The conference in Tehran led to the adoption of the Proclamation of Tehran, which dealt with the problems of racial discrimination, illiteracy, colonialism, and protection of the family. Along with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights formed what came to be called the International Bill of Rights.