The Declaration of Human Responsibilities

[Michaelangelica]

I just recently read a book by Malcolm Fraser,the former conservative PM of Australia.

In the book he briefly mentions the " Declaration of Human Responsibilities" that he would like to see countries of the world adopting.

I was intrigued, and googled a little, and it seems to be an idea that has been around for a while

This is all new to me but seems like a good idea.

 

Does anyone have any info or comments on this declaration?

 

Perhaps it could form the basis of some multinational corporate ethics?:)

 

Here it is:

 

This is the html version of the file http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt/dialog/dial_ap4.pdf.

 

To link to or bookmark this page, use the following url: http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:2L0RS-AtH8QJ:www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt/dialog/dial_ap4.pdf+A+Declaration+of+Human+Responsibilities&hl=en&gl=au&ct=clnk&cd=1&client=firefox-a

 

 

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APPENDIX 4

DRAFT UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RESPONSIBILITIES

(Proposed by the InterAction Council - 1 September 1997)

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

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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.

 

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 of 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 act 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 and 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

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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.

 

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

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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 freedoms set forth in this Declaration and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.

[TheFaithfulStone]

Funny, in the US, most of the position are considered liberal

 

A few conservatives would like to make a few suggestions :eek: [my tounge is firmly in my cheek - see it there...]

 

Article 1 - add "Unless they're REALLY mean people who REALLY deserve it."

Article 2 - add "Unless the money is REALLY good."

Article 3 - add "Unless you REALLY need to do some evil."

Article 4 - add "Unless the others are not like you."

Article 5 - change last sentence to "Unless you need to for reasons of national security."

Article 6 - remove entirely.

Article 7 - remove last two sentences.

Article 8 - add "Unless it results in more tax dollars."

Article 9 - change to "God helps those who help themselves."

Article 10 - strike last two sentences.

Article 11 - change after "in accordance with.." to read "the best interests of the share holders."

Article 12 - strike all but last sentence

Article 13 - add "Unless in the interests of National Security."

Article 14 - add "Also, with regard to National Security."

Article 15 - strike last clause.

Article 16 - Change to "The man is the head of the household." See the Southern Baptist convention for some good wording!

Article 17 - add "Between one man and one woman."

Article 18 - Strike first sentence. Change last bit to "should be one of obedience, deference and respect."

Article 19 - add "Unless in matters of national security."

 

That's how I SEE the conservative view point - but I'm sure that's not how they see it. I can't seriously imagine anyone who would read this document and go "I'm against THAT!"

 

Disagreements are in degree and application.

 

Humanity has long since decided that the ultimate moral commandment is "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The problem is that most folks stop listening after that first bit.

 

TFS