Seventy years ago, the United Nations formally adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) on 10 December 1948 in Paris. Under the remarkable leadership of Elanor Roosevelt, the outcome was a document which has stood the test of time.

The UDHR opens with these powerful words: “Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world…All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

Working as I do for a Christian public policy charity where the language of human dignity underpins all we do; these words represent an encouraging commitment. Any society which seeks to promote the wellbeing of its citizens needs human rights. But the key question is: where do these rights come from?

I think that human rights when properly understood are derived from a Christian understanding that each person has intrinsic worth and value. Embedded at the heart of the Christian understanding of humanity is a belief that all human beings, whatever your circumstances are made in God’s image. That means you were made by God and for God. This elevates humanity above all other creatures. There is an intrinsic dignity that comes from simply being human.

This belief means certain inevitable conclusions: firstly, all human beings are equal before the law. Secondly, all human beings have an unshakeable dignity that is true simply because they are human. When you read through the UDHR, you can see this belief very obviously reflected in the articles to do with the right to life. These articles have occasioned a lot of debate, but they reflect a belief that is core to Christian teaching: that all humans have a right to life. From the unborn baby, to the elderly neighbour.

The UDHR guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Additionally it protects freedom of expression and the right to public assembly. These are key pillars of a truly free and liberal society. We need these articles because they prevent the totalitarian tendencies of the state which seeks to impose value systems upon us and stifle debate.

Today is a chance to pause and reflect on the way Christian teaching about the dignity of every person underpins the human rights which we so often take for granted. The articles remind us that life is precious and that religious freedom and freedom of speech are crucial to a free society.

Dr Gordon Macdonald is Parliamentary Officer for CARE for Scotland. He also sits on the Reference Group for the First Minister’s Advisory group on Human Rights Leadership