Final answer:
The Declaration of Human Rights exudes an idealistic and assertive tone, reflecting Enlightenment principles, advocating for inherent and unalienable rights, and inspiring governmental responsibility to safeguard these rights. Despite its nonbinding nature, it holds significant influence in guiding nations towards upholding human rights, as evidenced in historical instances like the abolishment of apartheid in South Africa.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tone established in the Declaration of Human Rights could be best described as idealistic and assertive. Rooted in the Enlightenment principles stated in the preamble, the document reflects universal human rights and values that assert the equality of all men, the existence of unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and happiness, and the role of governments in securing these rights. The tone is underscored by the inherent belief that these rights are self-evident and non-negotiable, providing a moral compass for the creation and alteration of governments. These ideas are directly connected to the thoughts of John Locke and the natural rights of life, liberty, and property that humans inherently possess.
While the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) doesn't impose legal obligations, it serves as an idealistic guideline for nations, having the power to exert socio-economic pressure to uphold these values. This is exemplified in historical contexts, such as the end of apartheid in South Africa, where the UDHR helped to inspire change and the establishment of a Bill of Rights that includes portions of the UDHR. Despite being a nonbinding document, its influence in shaping national policies and civil liberties is notable.
The declaration's tone also has a democratic essence, advocating for the people’s right to alter or abolish repressive governments and to act on their own behalf for their well-being. This is a reflection of just—asserting the democratic principles - the right of the people in American colonies to separate from Britain.