Report on the Conclusions and Recommendations by a High-level
Expert Group Meeting, Vienna, Austria (20-22 April 1997)
Chaired by Helmut Schmidt
It is time to talk about human responsibilities
The call by the InterAction Council for the Universal Declaration
of Human Responsibilities is timely. Although traditionally we
have spoken of human rights, and indeed the world has gone a
long way in their international recognition and protection since
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the
United Nations in 1948, it is time now to initiate an equally
important quest for the acceptance of human duties or obligations.
This emphasis of human obligations is necessary for several
reasons. Of course, this idea is new only to some regions of
the world; many societies have traditionally conceived of human
relations in terms of obligations rather than rights. This is
true, in general terms, for instance, for much of Eastern thought.
While traditionally in the West, at least since the 17th Century
age of enlightenment, the concepts of freedom and individuality
have been emphasized, in the East, the notions of responsibility
and community have prevailed. The fact that a Universal Declaration
of Human Rights was drafted instead of a Universal Declaration
of Human Duties undoubtedly reflects the philosophical and cultural
background of the document's drafters who, as is known, represented
the Western powers who emerged victorious from the Second World
War.
The concept of human obligations also serves to balance the
notions of freedom and responsibility: while rights relate more
to freedom, obligations are associated with responsibility. Despite
this distinction, freedom and responsibility are interdependent.
Responsibility, as a moral quality, serves as a natural, voluntary
check for freedom. In any society, freedom can never be exercised
without limits. Thus, the more freedom we enjoy, the greater
the responsibility we bear, toward others as well as ourselves.
The more talents we possess, the bigger the responsibility we
have to develop them to their fullest capacity. We must move
away from the freedom of indifference towards the freedom of
involvement.
The opposite is also true: as we develop our sense of responsibility,
we increase our internal freedom by fortifying our moral character.
When freedom presents us with different possibilities for action,
including the choice to do right or wrong, a responsible moral
character will ensure that the former will prevail.
Sadly, this relationship between freedom and responsibility
is not always understood clearly. Some ideologies have placed
greater importance on the concept of individual freedom, while
others concentrate on an unquestioning commitment to the social
group.
Without a proper balance, unrestricted freedom is as dangerous
as imposed social responsibility. Great social injustices have
resulted from extreme economic freedom and capitalist greed,
while at the same time cruel oppression of people's basic liberties
has been justified in the name of society's interests or communist
ideals.
Either extreme is undesirable. At present, with the disappearance
of the East-West conflict and the end of the Cold War, humankind
seems closer to the desired balance between freedom and responsibility.
We have struggled for freedom and rights. It is now time to foster
responsibility and human obligations.
The InterAction Council believes that globalization of the
world economy is matched by globalization of the world's problems.
Because global interdependence demands that we must live with
each other in harmony, human beings need rules and constraints.
Ethics are the minimum standards that make a collective life
possible. Without ethics and self-restraint that are their result,
humankind would revert to the survival of the fittest. The world
is in need of an ethical base on which to stand.
Recognizing this need, the InterAction Council began its search
for universal ethical standards with a meeting of spiritual leaders
and political leaders in March 1987 at La Civiltą Cattolica
in Rome, Italy. The initiative was taken by the late Takeo Fukuda,
former Prime Minister of Japan who founded the InterAction Council
in 1983. Again in 1996, the Council requested a report by a high-level
expert group on the subject of global ethical standards. The
Council, at its Vancouver Plenary Meeting in May 1996, welcomed
the report of this Group, which consisted of religious leaders
from several faiths and experts drawn from across the globe.
The findings of this report "In Search of Global Ethical
Standards" demonstrated that the world faiths have much
in common and the Council endorsed the recommendation that "in
1998, the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, the United Nations should convene a conference to consider
a Declaration of Human Obligations to complement the earlier
crucial work on rights."
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 and political views that
were deemed antagonistic in the past. The basic premise, then,
should be that humans deserve the greatest possible amount of
freedom, but also should develop their sense of responsibility
to its fullest in order to correctly administer their freedom.
This is hardly a new idea. Throughout the millennia prophets,
saints and sages have implored mankind to take its responsibilities
seriously. In our century, for example, Mahatma Gandhi preached
on the seven social sins.
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.
A UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RESPONSIBILITIES
(Proposed by the InterAction Council)
1 September 1997
Introductory Comment
It is time to talk about 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)
Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of
the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human
family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the
world and implies obligations or responsibilities,
whereas the exclusive insistence on rights can result
in conflict, division, and endless dispute, and the neglect of
human responsibilities can lead to lawlessness and chaos,
whereas the rule of law and the promotion of human
rights depend on the readiness of men and women to act justly,
whereas global problems demand global solutions which
can only be achieved through ideas, values, and norms respected
by all cultures and societies,
whereas all people, to the best of their knowledge
and ability, have a responsibility to foster a better social
order, both at home and globally, a goal which cannot be achieved
by laws, prescriptions, and conventions alone,
whereas human aspirations for progress and improvement
can only be realized by agreed values and standards applying
to all people and institutions at all times,
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.
Fundamental Principles for Humanity
Article 1
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.
Article 2
No person should lend support to any form of inhumane behaviour,
but all people have a responsibility to strive for the dignity
and self-esteem of all others.
Article 3
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.
Article 4
All people, endowed with reason and conscience, must accept
a responsibility to each and all, to families and communities,
to races, nations, and religions in a spirit of solidarity: What
you do not wish to be done to yourself, do not do to others.
Non-Violence and Respect for Life
Article 5
Every person has a responsibility to respect life.
No one has the right to injure, to torture or to kill another
human person. This does not exclude the right or justified self-defense
of individuals or communities.
Article 6
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.
Article 7
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.
Justice and Solidarity
Article 8
Every person has a responsibility to behave with integrity,
honesty, fairness. No person or group should rob or arbitrarily
deprive any other person or group of their property.
Article 9
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.
Article 10
All people have a responsibility to develop their talents
through diligent endeavour; 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.
Article 11
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.
Truthfulness and Tolerance
Article 12
Every person has a responsibility to speak and act truthfully.
No one, however high or mighty, should speak lies. The right
to privacy and to personal and professional confidentiality is
to be respected. No one is obliged to tell all the truth to everyone
all the time.
Article 13
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.
Article 14
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
Article 15
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.
Mutual Respect and Partnership
Article 16
All men and all women have a responsibility
to show respect to one another and understanding
in their partnership. No one should subject another person to
sexual exploitation or dependence. Rather, sexual partners should
accept the responsibility of caring for each other's well-being.
Article 17
In all its cultural and religious varieties, marriage requires
love, loyalty and forgiveness and should aim at guaranteeing
security and mutual support.
Article 18
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.
Conclusion
Article 19
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying
for any state, group or person any right to engage in any activity
or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the
responsibilities, rights and freedom set forth in this Declaration
and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.
ENDORSEMENT
The proposed Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities
has 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 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
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
II. Supporters
Lester Brown, President, Worldwatch Institute
Andre Chouraqui, Professor in Israel
Takako Doi, President, Japan Socialist Democratic Party
William Laughlin, American entrepreneur
Rabbi Dr. J. Magonet, Principal of the Leo Back College
Robert S McNamara, Former President, World Bank
Konrad Raiser, World Council of Churches
Paul Volcker, Chairman, James D. Wolfensohn Inc.
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 (academic advisor to the project), Tubigen University
Thomas Axworthy (academic advisor to the project), CRB Foundation
Kim, Kyong-dong (academic advisor to the project), Seoul National
University
Cardinal Franz Koenig, Vienna, Austria
Anna-Marie Aagaard, World Council of Churches
M. Shanti Aram (deceased in June), World Conference on Religion
& Peace
A.T. Ariyaratne, Sarvodaya Movement of Sri Lanka
Julia Ching, University of Toronto
Hassa 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
James Ottley, Anglican observer at the United Nations
Richard Rorty, Stanford Humanities Center
L.M. Singvi, High Commissioner for India
Seiken Sugiura, House of Representatives of Japan
Koji Watanabe, Former Japanese Ambassador to Russia
Woo, Seong-yong, Munhwa Ilbo
Alexander Yakovlev, Former Member, Presidential Council of
the Soviet Union
IV. Sponsors
Shinyasu Hoshino, President, National Institute for Research
Advancement
Ayako Sono, Chairperson, Nippon Foundation
Kim, Woo-Joong, Chairman, Dae-Woo Corporation
