Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities

Globalization of the world economy is matched by global problems, and global problems demand global solutions on the basis of ideas, values and norms respected by all cultures and societies. Recognition of the equal and inalienable rights of all the people requires a foundation of freedom, justice and peace – but this also demands that rights and responsibilities be given equal importance to establish an ethical base so that all men and women can live peacefully together and fulfil their potential. A better social order both nationally and internationally cannot be achieved by laws, prescriptions and conventions alone, but needs a global ethic. Human aspirations for progress can only be realised by agreed values and standards applying to all people and institutions at all times.

Next year will be the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations. The anniversary would be an opportune time to adopt a Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities, which would complement the Human Rights Declaration and strengthen it and help lead to a better world.

The following draft of human responsibilities seeks to bring freedom and responsibility into balance and to promote a move from the freedom of indifference to the freedom of involvement. If one person or government seeks to maximise freedom but does it at the expense of others, a larger number of people will suffer. If human beings maximise their freedom by plundering the natural resources of the earth, then future generations will suffer.

The initiative to draft a Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities is not only a way of balancing freedom with responsibility, but also a means of reconciling ideologies, beliefs and political views that were deemed antagonistic in the past. The proposed declaration points out that the exclusive insistence on rights can lead to endless dispute and conflict, that religious groups in pressing for their own freedom have a duty to respect the freedom of others. The basic premise should be to aim at the greatest amount of freedom possible, but also to develop the fullest sense of responsibility that will allow that freedom itself to grow.

The InterAction Council has been working to draft a set of human ethical standards since 1987. But its work builds on the wisdom of religious leaders and sages down the ages who have warned that freedom without acceptance of responsibility can destroy the freedom itself, whereas when rights and responsibilities are balanced, then freedom is enhanced and a better world can be created.

The InterAction Council commends the following draft Declaration for your examination and support.

Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities (Proposed by the InterAction Council) Now, therefore, The General Assembly

proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities as a common standard for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall contribute to the advancement of communities and to the enlightenment of all their members. We, the peoples of the world thus renew and reinforce commitments already proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: namely, the full acceptance of the dignity of all people; their inalienable freedom and equality, and their solidarity with one another. Awareness and acceptance of these responsibilities should be taught and promoted throughout the world.

Every person, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, social status, political opinion, language, age, nationality, or religion, has a responsibility to treat all people in a humane way.

No person should lend support to any form of inhumane behavior, but all people have a responsibility to strive for the dignity and self-esteem of all others.

No person, no group or organization, no state, no army or police stands above good and evil; all are subject to ethical standards. Everyone has a responsibility to promote good and to avoid evil in all things.

Non-Violence and Respect for Life

Disputes between states, groups or individuals should be resolved without violence. No government should tolerate or participate in acts of genocide or terrorism, nor should it abuse women, children, or any other civilians as instruments of war. Every citizen and public official has a responsibility to act in a peaceful, non-violent way.

Every person is infinitely precious and must be protected unconditionally. The animals and the natural environment also demand protection. All people have a responsibility to protect the air, water and soil of the earth for the sake of present inhabitants and future generations.

All people, given the necessary tools, have a responsibility to make serious efforts to overcome poverty, malnutrition, ignorance, and inequality. They should promote sustainable development all over the world in order to assure dignity, freedom, security and justice for all people.

All people have a responsibility to develop their talents through diligent endeavor; they should have equal access to education and to meaningful work. Everyone should lend support to the needy, the disadvantaged, the disabled and to the victims of discrimination.

All property and wealth must be used responsibly in accordance with justice and for the advancement of the human race. Economic and political power must not be handled as an instrument of domination, but in the service of economic justice and of the social order.

No politicians, public servants, business leaders, scientists, writers or artists are exempt from general ethical standards, nor are physicians, lawyers and other professionals who have special duties to clients. Professional and other codes of ethics should reflect the priority of general standards such as those of truthfulness and fairness.

The freedom of the media to inform the public and to criticize institutions of society and governmental actions, which is essential for a just society, must be used with responsibility and discretion. Freedom of the media carries a special responsibility for accurate and truthful reporting. Sensational reporting that degrades the human person or dignity must at all times be avoided.

While religious freedom must be guaranteed, the representatives of religions have a special responsibility to avoid expressions of prejudice and acts of discrimination toward those of different beliefs. They should not incite or legitimize hatred, fanaticism and religious wars, but should foster tolerance and mutual respect between all people.

In all its cultural and religious varieties, marriage requires love, loyalty and forgiveness and should aim at guaranteeing security and mutual support.

Sensible family planning is the responsibility of every couple. The relationship between parents and children should reflect mutual love, respect, appreciation and concern. No parents or other adults should exploit, abuse or maltreat children.

A Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities

Globalization, however, has given new urgency to the teaching of Gandhi and other ethical leaders. Violence on our television screens is now transmitted by satellites across the planet. Speculation in far away financial markets can devastate local communities. The influence of private tycoons now approaches the power of governments and unlike elected politicians, there is no accountability for this private power except for their own personal sense of responsibility. Never has the world needed a declaration of human responsibilities more.

From Rights to Obligations

Because rights and duties are inextricably linked, the idea of a human right only makes sense if we acknowledge the duty of all people to respect it. Regardless of a particular society's values, human relations are universally based on the existence of both rights and duties.

There is no need for a complex system of ethics to guide human action. There is one ancient rule that, if truly followed, would ensure just human relations: the Golden Rule. In its negative form, the Golden Rule mandates that we not do to others what we do not wish be done to us. The positive form implies a more active and solidary role: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Bearing in mind the Golden Rule, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides an ideal starting point from which to consider some of the main obligations which are a necessary complement to those rights.

If we have a right to life, then we have the obligation to respect life.

If we have a right to liberty, then we have the obligation to respect other people's liberty.

If we have a right to security, then we have the obligation to create the conditions for every human being to enjoy human security.

If we have a right to partake in our country's political process and elect our leaders, then we have the obligation to participate and ensure that the best leaders are chosen.

If we have a right to work under just and favorable conditions to provide a decent standard of living for ourselves and our families, we also have the obligation to perform to the best of our capacities.

If we have a right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, we also have the obligation to respect other's thoughts or religious principles.

If we have a right to be educated, then we have the obligation to learn as much as our capabilities allow us and, where possible, share our knowledge and experience with others.

If we have a right to benefit from the earth's bounty, then we have the obligation to respect, care for and restore the earth and its natural resources.

As human beings, we have unlimited potential for self-fulfilment. Thus we have the obligation to develop our physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual capacities to their fullest. The importance of the concept of responsibility towards attaining self-realization cannot be overlooked.

The expert-group, which was convened in Vienna in April 1997, worked on a declaration of human responsibilities. The results of this work were summarized and condensed by the three academic advisors; Prof. Thomas Axworthy, Prof. Kim Kyong-dong and Prof. Hans Küng. Prof. Küng provided a very helpful first draft as the starting point for the discussion. They made recommendations to Helmut Schmidt, who chaired the meeting, Andries van Agt and Miguel de la Madrid. Oscar Arias, a member of the Council, who could not be present, contributed a welcome substantive paper.

The results of this work are contained in the draft proposal for the United Nations entitled “A Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities.” The group submits with pleasure the attached draft to the InterAction Council and the world community at large.

List of Participants

InterAction Council Members

H. E. Mr. Helmut Schmidt

H. E. Mr. Andries van Agt

E. Mr. Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado

Prof. Hans Küng, Tubingen University

Prof. Thomas Axworthy, Adjunct Faculty in Public Policy at Harvard University

Prof. Kim Kyong-dong, Seoul National University

Cardinal Franz Koenig, Vienna, Austria

Prof. Hassan Hanafi, University of Cairo

Dr. Ariyaratne, President of the Sarvodaya Movement of Sri Lanka

The Rt. Rev. James H. Ottley , Anglican observer at the United Nations

Dr. M. Aram, President, World Conference on Religion & Peace (MP, India)

Dr. Julia Ching (Representing Confucianism)

Dr. Anna-Marie Aagaard, World Council of Churches

Dr. Teri McLuhan, Author

Prof. Yersu Kim, Director of the Division of Philosophy and Ethics, UNESCO

Prof. Richard Rorty, Stanford Humanities Center

Prof. Peter Landesmann, European Academy of Sciences, Salzburg

Ambassador Koji Watanabe, Former Japanese Ambassador to Russia

Ms. Flora Lewis, International Herald Tribune

Mr. Woo Seung-yong, Munhwa Ilbo

Project coordinator (IAC Tokyo Secretariat)

ENDORSEMENT OF THE DECLARATION

The proposed Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities have the endorsement of the following individuals:

I. The InterAction Council Members

Helmut Schmidt (Honorary Chairman), Former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany

Malcolm Fraser (Chairman), Former Prime Minister of Australia

Andries A. M. van Agt, Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands

Anand Panyarachun, Former Prime Minister of Thailand

Oscar Arias Sanchez, Former President to of Costa Rica

Lord Callaghan of Cardiff, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Jimmy Carter, Former President of the United States

Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado, Former President of Mexico

Kurt Furgler, Former President of Switzerland

Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Former President of France

Felipe Gonzalez Marquez, Former Prime Minister of Spain

Mikhail S. Gorbachev, Chairman of the Supreme Soviet and President of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Selim Hoss, Former Prime Minister of Lebanon

Kenneth Kaunda, Former President of Zambia

Lee Kuan Yew, Former Prime Minister of Singapore

Kiichi Miyazawa, Former Prime Minister of Japan

Misael Pastrana Borrero, Former President of Colombia (deceased in August)

Shimon Peres, Former Prime Minister of Israel

Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo, Former Prime Minister of Portugal

Jose Sarney, Former President of Brazil

Shin Hyon Hwak, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea

Kalevi Sorsa, Former Prime Minister of Finland

Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Former Prime Minister of Canada

Ola Ullsten, Former Prime Minister of Sweden

George Vassiliou, Former President of Cyprus

Franz Vranitzky, Former President of Austria

Ali Alatas, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Indonesia

Abdulaziz Al-Quraishi, former Chairman of SAMA

Lester Brown, President, Worldwatch Institute

Andre Chouraqui, Professor in Israel

John B. Cobb Jr., Claremont School of Theology

Takako Doi, President, Japan Socialist Democratic Party

Kan Kato, President, Chiba University of Commerce

Henry A. Kissinger, Former U.S. Secretary of State

Teddy Kollek, Mayor of Jerusalem

William Laughlin, American entrepreneur

Chwasan Lee Kwang Jung, Head Dharma Master, Won Buddhism

Federico Mayor, Director-General, UNESCO

Robert S. McNamara, former President, World Bank

Rabbi Dr. J.Magonet, Principal, Leo Baek College

Robert Muller, Rector, University For Peace

Konrad Raiser, World Council of Churches

Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the U.K.

Seijuro Shiokawa, former Ministers of Home Affairs, Education and

Transportation of Japan

Rene Samuel Sirat, Grand Rabbi of France

Sir Sigmund Sternberg, International Council of Christians and Jews

Masayoshi Takemura, former Finance Minister of Japan

Gaston Thorn, former Prime Minister of Luxembourg

Paul Volcker, Chairman, James D. Wolfensohn Inc.

Carl Friedrich v.Weizsäcker, Scientist

Richard v. Weizsäcker, former President of the Federal Republic of Germany

Mahmoud Zakzouk, Minister of Religion, Egypt

III. Participants (in preparatory meetings in Vienna, Austria in March 1996 and April 1997) and special guests (at the 15th Plenary Session in Noordwijk, The Netherlands in June 1997)

Hans Kueng, Tubingen University (academic advisor to the project)

Thomas Axworthy, CRB Foundation (academic advisor to the project)

Kim, Kyong-dong , Seoul National University (academic advisor to the project)

Cardinal Franz Koenig, Vienna, Austria

Anna-Marie Aagaard, World Council of Churches

A.A. Mughram Al-Ghamdi, The King Fahad Academy

M. Aram, World Conference on Religion & Peace, (deceased in June)

A.T. Ariyaratne, Sarvodaya Movement of Sri Lanka

Julia Ching, University of Toronto

Hassan Hanafi, University of Cairo

Nagaharu Hayabusa, The Asahi Shimbun

Yersu Kim, Division of Philosophy and Ethics, UNESCO

Peter Landesmann, European Academy of Sciences

Lee, Seung-Yun, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Planning Board of the Republic of Korea

Flora Lewis, International Herald Tribune

Liu, Xiao-feng, Institute of Sino-Christian Studies

Teri McLuhan, Canadian author

Isamu Miyazaki, Former State Minister, Economic Planning Agency of Japan

J.J.N.Rost Onnes, Executive Vice President, ABN AMRO Bank

James Ottley, Anglican observer at the United Nations

Richard Rorty, Stanford Humanities Center

L. M. Singhvi, High Commissioner for India

Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki, Claremont School of Theology

Seiken Sugiura, House of Representatives of Japan

Koji Watanabe, Former Japanese Ambassador to Russia

Woo, Seong-yong, Munhwa Ilbo

Wu Xuequian, Vice Chairman, Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference

Alexander Yakovlev, Former Member, Presidential Council of the Soviet