Declaration of Human Duties and Responsibilities

The Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities is an initiative of the InterAction Council, which was " presented to the United Nations and the world public for discussion " as a counterbalance and complement the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1997. Based on the text of the Declaration of Human Rights, it describes a number of obligations rather than rights that are to be imposed on all people, especially to treat others humanely.

Content

In nineteen articles philanthropic action is treated in more detail. So it is one of the basic guidelines to behave peacefully, to treat other people friendly and understanding and to be helpful (see also the Golden Rule ). No man, no state, no organization, no social group, not a governmental apparatus is about the things or beyond good and evil. Each individual is subjected to his conscience bears the consequences of his actions and to behave in a spirit of brotherhood. This prohibits the waging of war, violence and terrorism, however, does not exclude self-defense in case of attack.

In another article, a life of honesty and tolerance is required. This means for example that no one (not even a politician, entrepreneur, reporters or scientists ) lie to his fellow man, cheat or to manipulate. Hatred, violence and war in the name of a religion, an ideology or a political opinion contrary to this declaration. Religious communities and authorities, hostility, violence, intolerance, or even preach war, deserve to lose their following and reputation.

A high priority has the equality of man and woman and the partnership in marriage. The coexistence of man and woman should be characterized by love, loyalty, durability and respect. Marriage is supposed to give the spouses and the children of security and protection. No one may be compelled against his will to marry. Sexual exploitation and violence are rejected as reprehensible.

Another article calls for a just and fair behavior and dealing appropriately with the property. Any form of theft, exploitation, fraud, discrimination and unfair economic order be regarded as unjust and inhumane. Each person should use his property so that it also serves the public good.

Reverence for life is in this statement not on human life, but includes animals, plants, the soil, the water and the air with a. People should take care that are the nature and the creatures protected and preserved.

The last article stipulates that nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted that a state, an organization, a state apparatus, a religious community, a social group or a single person violates the Human Rights of 1948.

Signatory

The first signatories of the declaration were: Helmut Schmidt, Malcolm Fraser, Andries van Agt AM, Anand Panyarachun, Óscar Arias Sánchez, Lord Callaghan of Cardiff, Jimmy Carter, Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado, Kurt Furgler, Valéry Giscard d' Estaing, Felipe González, Selim al - Hoss, Kenneth Kaunda, Lee Kuan Yew, Kiichi Miyazawa, Misael Pastrana Borrero, Shimon Peres, Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo, José Sarney, Shin Hyeon- Hwak, Kalevi Sorsa, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Ola Ullsten, Georgios Vassiliou and Vranitzky.

Reception

Human responsibilities can be found in the African Charter of Human Rights and the rights of peoples (Article 27-29), the American Declaration of Human Rights (Articles 29-37 ) and the American Convention on Human Rights (Article 32).