U.S. #928
5¢ United Nations Peace Conference

Issue Date: April 25, 1945
City: San Francisco, CA
Quantity: 75,500,000
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Rotary Press
Perforations: 11 x 10.5
Color: Ultramarine

Forming the United Nations

When 46 nations gathered in San Francisco on April 25, 1...  more

U.S. #928
5¢ United Nations Peace Conference

Issue Date: April 25, 1945
City: San Francisco, CA
Quantity: 75,500,000
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Rotary Press
Perforations: 11 x 10.5
Color: Ultramarine

Forming the United Nations

When 46 nations gathered in San Francisco on April 25, 1945, they were exhausted from the extended war, disheartened by the inhumanity they seen, and determined to prevent future generations from experiencing what they had seen firsthand. Their ultimate goal was to form an international organization that would have the power to maintain security and foster prosperity and give human rights an international legal status.

A group of non-governmental organizations lobbied vigorously for a strong commitment to human rights in the U.N. Charter. In particular, several small Latin American countries were committed to the inclusion of such a guarantee. A Pan-American conference held in Mexico City produced a group united in their determination to see such goals met. A number of American non-governmental groups also pushed for a type of bill of rights in the charter. Over 1,300 organizations placed ads in newspapers demanding that human rights be an integral part of the international organization.

When the member nations met in San Francisco in April of 1945, their proposal fell short of the clear and concise commitment to human rights that these groups sought. Forty-two American groups serving as consultants to the U.S. delegation convinced participating governments of the need to clearly state a policy of protection for individual human rights. They were persuasive, and the result was a legal commitment by governments around the world to promote and encourage respect for the inalienable human rights of every man, woman, and child.