The UN adopted two Declarations on Human Rights: One on the civil and political rights and the other on the economic, social and cultural rights. The first emphasized on the
rights of participation of all in a democratic process without discrimination
due to gender, race and culture. It also set the premises for securing human
rights and democracy by stimulating activities of the civil society, who may
inform, build awareness and ensure transparencies against discrimination and
abuse of power. The other Declaration focused on the rights of development of the
people gaining fair access to knowledge, technology and share in the global
market. It emphasized the needs for development for the people who are
unprivileged. The communists and the socialists emphasized the importance of
the rights to development of the people, while the capitalist nations stressed
on the rights of the individuals. These Declarations accommodated legal
provisions for both sides to proceed with their political and economic agenda.
Though many nations are parties to these Declarations, the real situation of human rights in the world is in a doldrums. Mainly the developed capitalist nations are the champions in promoting the civil and political rights and democracy. They are the main donors and financial contributors to the UN. A part of these developmental aids are channeled in building the Civil Society in different parts of the world, whose main tasks are to promote and safeguard human rights and democracy. By tying developmental aid to human rights the donor countries seek to influence the development of democratic societies according to their own prescriptions. Through co-operation and dialogue they try to influence the development where the civil and political rights can be guaranteed.
Socialist and communist governments as well some developing countries, where authoritarian rule is entrenched, argue that interference in the name of human rights should be avoided. They stress on the principle of sovereignty of nations and non-interference by other countries in matters of economic or political development.