The legal document that established civilian rights in democratic governance acknowledged widely in Europe's transitions was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Adopted in 1948, it laid out fundamental rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled. The declaration significantly influenced various human rights movements and legal frameworks worldwide. It provided a foundation for numerous international treaties and national legislation aimed at ensuring the protection of individual rights. This document marked a pivotal moment in the post-World War II context, pushing many nations towards greater democracy and accountability.