The single outstanding exception was the broad yet precise mandate communicated by the General Assembly in 1946 to prepare as soon as possible the Charter of Human Rights which the San Francisco Conference had not had the time or the courage to draw up.

The quote by René Cassin, "The single outstanding exception was the broad yet precise mandate communicated by the General Assembly in 1946 to prepare as soon as possible the Charter of Human Rights which the San Francisco Conference had not had the time or the courage to draw up," refers to a key moment in the history of human rights following World War II. Cassin highlights the exceptional decision by the General Assembly in 1946 to take on the responsibility of creating a Charter of Human Rights, something that had been postponed by the San Francisco Conference due to both time constraints and a lack of political will or courage. This decision marked a significant step toward formalizing global human rights protections.

Cassin's mention of the San Francisco Conference (where the United Nations was founded) points out that while the conference laid the groundwork for international cooperation, it did not take the bold step of drafting a specific document that would guarantee human rights for all. The Charter of Human Rights, which would later evolve into the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was a long-overdue initiative to ensure that the atrocities of war would not be repeated, and that the rights of individuals would be protected across nations.

The quote reflects Cassin's role as a key figure in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document that would shape the post-war order and provide a moral framework for international relations. By emphasizing the mandate given to the General Assembly in 1946, Cassin highlights the historical significance of the moment and the determination to establish a formal, global commitment to human dignity and equality.

The origin of this quote is tied to René Cassin's work as a French jurist and diplomat, who is often referred to as the "father" of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. His pivotal role in drafting the Declaration, which was adopted by the United Nations in 1948, is reflected in this quote, underscoring his belief in the necessity of creating concrete protections for human rights in the aftermath of the war. Cassin’s words also serve as a reminder of the courage required to confront the challenges of building a fairer, more just world.