Sixty years ago, forty-eight nations accepted The Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a standard and a guide. It provides an example for governments, soldiers, human rights campaigners and citizens to strive for.
I first read the UDHR in high school, and it surprised me. I am something of a cynic, and the idea that a large group of disparate nations in the bizarre world of international diplomacy, could produce a comprehensive, easy to follow document that can guide us all towards treating each other with humanity - this idea changed my view of the world a little for the better. It also reminded me that I have never really had any of my human rights infringed, and in this I am much luckier than many other people.
The Declaration is not perfect. It is, perhaps, a little too informed by Western sensibilities, and the language lodged in the 1940s. It mandates the choice of government by the will of the people through secret ballot (or similar), which I know at least one intelligent person disagrees with. Wikipedia's article on the UDHR informs me that Islamic countries prefer the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam. I also learnt from the Wikipedia article that the addition of the right to refuse to kill has been proposed, which might enshrine the right to conscientious objection and refusal to perform abortion.
Fundamentally, these are minor issues. The UDHR still stands as a solid example for us to aspire to, regardless of personal beliefs. Today, there are many things you might do to celebrate or fight for human rights, but if you've never read the Declaration then perhaps you might do that; it won't take long.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
2 comments
ren :: Thursday, December 11th
every person has equal *rights*
*nodnod*
ok so i don't really have much to say but i cheer for your post.
Cameron :: Thursday, December 11th
Rights are a philosophically troublesome concept! Still, I think the UN declaration has a lot of merit, at the very least as a spiritually uplifting piece of writing.
