Article 14

Definition

Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a provision that guarantees the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. It establishes the fundamental human right to freely move and choose one's place of residence within a country.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Article 14 affirms that everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
2. This right includes the ability to leave any country, including one's own, and to return to one's country.
3. The freedom of movement is considered a fundamental human right, as it enables individuals to access opportunities, services, and social connections.
4. Restrictions on freedom of movement, such as internal passports or residency permits, can be justified only on limited grounds, such as national security or public health.
5. The right to freedom of movement is closely linked to other human rights, such as the right to work, education, and access to healthcare.

Review Questions

• Explain the key provisions of Article 14 and how they relate to the concept of freedom of movement.
  • Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. This means that individuals have the fundamental human right to move freely and choose their place of residence within a country, without undue restrictions. The article also affirms the right to leave any country, including one's own, and to return to one's country. This freedom of movement is considered a crucial enabler for individuals to access opportunities, services, and social connections, and is closely linked to other human rights, such as the right to work, education, and healthcare.
• Discuss the potential limitations on the right to freedom of movement as outlined in Article 14, and the justifications for such restrictions.
  • While Article 14 guarantees the right to freedom of movement, it recognizes that this right may be subject to certain limitations. Restrictions on freedom of movement can be justified on grounds such as national security or public health. For example, a government may impose temporary travel restrictions during a public health emergency to contain the spread of a disease. However, any such restrictions must be necessary, proportionate, and non-discriminatory. The burden of proof lies on the state to demonstrate the necessity and legitimacy of any limitations on the right to freedom of movement, which is considered a fundamental human right.
• Analyze the relationship between the right to freedom of movement and other human rights, and explain how Article 14 supports the broader framework of human rights protection.
  • The right to freedom of movement, as outlined in Article 14, is closely interconnected with other fundamental human rights. By enabling individuals to access opportunities, services, and social connections, the freedom of movement supports the realization of rights such as the right to work, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, the ability to leave one's country and return to it is essential for the enjoyment of rights like the freedom of association and the right to family life. Article 14, therefore, plays a crucial role in the broader framework of human rights protection, as it ensures that individuals can freely exercise their rights and participate fully in society. The recognition of this right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights underscores its importance as a cornerstone of the international human rights system.

Related terms

Freedom of Movement:

The ability of individuals to move freely within a country, without restrictions on their location or place of residence.

Residence: The place where a person lives or has their permanent home.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

An international document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, which sets out fundamental human rights to be universally protected.